Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

King Charles thanks doctors, addresses far-right riots in Christmas speech

Reflecting on the riots following a knife attack in Southport, Charles praised efforts to repair community relationships.

king-charles-speech-getty

Speaking from Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in central London, the king acknowledged the contributions of medical staff, veterans, and humanitarian workers. (Photo: Getty Images)

KING CHARLES expressed gratitude to doctors and nurses for their support during his Christmas address, a speech that followed a year marked by health challenges for both him and Princess Catherine.

Speaking from Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in central London, the king acknowledged the contributions of medical staff, veterans, and humanitarian workers. He also addressed issues such as global conflicts and the far-right riots that occurred in the UK over the summer.


“I offer special heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care, and comfort we have needed,” the 76-year-old monarch said.

The king also expressed gratitude for the messages of support received. “I am deeply grateful too to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement,” he added.

Reflecting on the riots following a knife attack in Southport, Charles praised efforts to repair community relationships. “I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair. To repair not just buildings, but relationships,” he said.

The monarch emphasised the importance of diversity. “Diversity of culture, ethnicity, and faith provides strength, not weakness,” he stated, commending efforts to defeat prejudice and promote understanding.

Charles confirmed that he continues regular cancer treatment, which will extend into 2025. Princess Catherine, who was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after the king, completed chemotherapy in September and has resumed public duties.

The king’s message also touched on ongoing conflicts worldwide, from the Middle East to Africa, contrasting these with past commemorations of the D-Day landings. “On this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.

Charles concluded with a call for peace and a message of goodwill, wishing the public a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

The broadcast also featured the king’s eco-conscious tradition of replanting Christmas trees, a practice started in 2023.

Senior members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children, joined the festivities at Sandringham.

Notably absent were Prince Andrew, following recent allegations, and Prince Harry and Meghan, who have missed six consecutive royal Christmases since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

More For You

Starmer

Starmer, who has faced negative coverage since taking office in July 2024, defended the appointment process.

Reuters

Starmer: I would not have appointed Mandelson if aware of Epstein ties

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer said on Monday he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington had he known the extent of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This was Starmer’s first public statement since dismissing Mandelson last week. The prime minister is facing questions over his judgement, including from Labour MPs, after initially standing by Mandelson before removing him from the post.

Keep ReadingShow less
India vs Pakistan

With this victory, India have won both their matches and are close to qualifying for the Super Fours stage. (Photo: Getty Images)

India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup, no handshakes after match

Highlights:

  • India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their first meeting since the May conflict.
  • Indian players left the field without handshakes, citing alignment with government and BCCI.
  • Pakistan lodged a protest over the post-match conduct.
  • Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the armed forces.

INDIA defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai on Sunday. It was the first meeting between the two sides since their military conflict in May.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK business district
The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
Getty Images

Economy shows no growth in July amid political turbulence

UK's ECONOMY showed no growth in July, according to official data released on Friday, adding to a difficult week for prime minister Keir Starmer’s government.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product was flat in July, following a 0.4 per cent rise in June.

Keep ReadingShow less
Phillipson, Powell in two-way Labour deputy leadership race

Bridget Phillipson (L), Lucy Powell (Photo: Getty Images)

Phillipson, Powell in two-way Labour deputy leadership race

IT WILL be a two-way contest between education secretary Bridget Phillipson and former Commons leader Lucy Powell for the post of Labour’s deputy leader after Emily Thornberry and Paula Barker withdrew from the race on Thursday (11).

Thornberry, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, had secured 13 nominations from Labour MPs while Barker, the Liverpool Wavertree MP, had 14, well short of the 80 needed to progress.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peter Mandelson

Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician and key figure in the party under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny after letters and emails to Epstein were published. (Photo: Getty Images)

Peter Mandelson removed as UK ambassador to US over Epstein links

PETER MANDELSON, the UK's ambassador to the United States, has been sacked over revelations about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the government said.

"The Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," a foreign ministry statement said, adding that new messages showed "the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein".

Keep ReadingShow less