King Charles’ Christmas speech is set to air at 3pm on Christmas Day this year, marking the fourth time he has delivered the annual festive address as monarch. While the timing remains familiar, a major change is reportedly planned that significantly alters long-standing royal tradition.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The royal Christmas broadcast was first introduced by King George V in 1932. Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, televised the speech for the first time in 1957 and went on to deliver 69 Christmas messages during her reign.
Since 1960, the speeches have been pre-recorded to allow them to be distributed to Commonwealth nations and aired at the most suitable local viewing times. The address is one of the monarch’s most recognisable duties, offering reflections on the year coming to an end, major events, and the meaning of Christmas in that particular moment.