The occasion will mark the monarch’s second Christmas address since assuming the throne — but what time will it be broadcast and what is he expected to say? Here are the details.
What time will King Charles Speech on Christmas Day?
Sitting down to watch the monarch’s address is a staple of Christmas celebrations for many families across the UK, and the Commonwealth.
Just like the late Queen’s annual speech, the King’s speech is pre-recorded — in 2022, it was reported that he recorded the speech on December 13.
We will get to watch the address when it airs at 3 pm on Christmas Day.
The King’s Speech will last for approximately ten minutes.
Read more on the King’s Speech
How can I watch King Charles’ Speech on TV?
The King’s speech will be broadcast at 3 pm on Christmas Day, on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, ITV3, and Sky.
You can stream it live on BBC iPlayer, and listen live on BBC Radio 4.
The pre-recorded broadcast will last for ten minutes.
The speech will be replayed on ITV1 at 11:15 pm on Christmas Day and will be available to watch on iPlayer and other on-demand sites.
What will be the King’s theme this year?
The monarch’s annual Christmas address usually focuses on key issues of the past year, and a look toward the year ahead.
Last year, King Charles paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, 2022.
Although the contents of the King’s speech won’t be known until the 3 pm broadcast, there’s some speculation on what he might touch upon.
It is thought he might discuss the ongoing worsening situation in Gaza and the ongoing war in Ukraine, and that he might once again refer to the cost of living crisis and climate change.
The King may also discuss key events in the royal calendar: his coronation, and 75th birthday.
Some have suggested he will highlight the important role played by Prince William and Princess of Wales.
King Charles may also talk about his faith and the Christmas story, as the late Queen often did.
Considering Omid Scobie’s book Endgame was published just in November 2023, royal watchers will be keen to see if Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are mentioned, but some are speculating that the monarch will avoid the topic altogether.
Last year, paying tribute to the late Queen, King Charles said: “I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.
“I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.”
The King went on to say: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.
“We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.”