King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, along with their children, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte, made their way to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the king’s private Sandringham Estate. Joining them were other members of the extended royal family.

Located roughly 100 miles north of London, Sandringham is also the backdrop for Charles’s recorded address from Westminster Abbey. This iconic site has been the venue for grand coronations and royal weddings for over a millennium.

Westminster Abbey is renowned not just for its historic ceremonies but also as a pilgrimage destination centered around the tomb of Edward the Confessor. This monarch, known for his monastic lifestyle, was canonized as a saint in 1161.

The monarch’s annual holiday message, a tradition followed by millions both in the UK and across the Commonwealth, a group of 56 independent nations with historical ties to Britain, is highly anticipated. The message is traditionally broadcast at 3 p.m., coinciding with many families gathering for their Christmas meal.

During this annual speech, King Charles, now 77, has the opportunity to express his personal views, free from governmental input, making it one of the few occasions where he speaks directly to the public.

It usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and sometimes draws on the monarch’s personal experiences.

This year’s address comes just two weeks after Charles made a deeply personal television appearance in which he said “good news” from his doctors meant that he would be able to reduce his treatment for cancer in the new year.

The king was diagnosed with a still undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. Buckingham Palace says his treatment is now moving to a “precautionary phase” and his condition will be monitored to ensure his continued recovery.

Charles recorded last year’s speech at Fitzrovia Chapel, which was once part of the now demolished Middlesex Hospital.

During that address, he honoured care workers around the country and gave a special thanks to the doctors and nurses who supported him after his cancer diagnosis.

This year’s Christmas speech will be the fourth since Charles ascended to the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September 2022.