This year’s Christmas message from King Charles will mark a significant departure from tradition in a heartfelt way. Instead of delivering his speech from a royal residence, as is customary, the King chose the historic Fitzrovia Chapel in central London. This former hospital chapel, adorned with intricate Gothic Revival mosaics, holds deep connections to healthcare and community, perfectly encapsulating the themes of compassion and unity the monarch seeks to highlight.
The Fitzrovia Chapel, once part of the Middlesex Hospital, has been transformed into a community space open to people of all faiths and none. By selecting this unique location, King Charles honors healthcare workers and their vital contribution while also aligning with his ongoing efforts to build bridges across different beliefs and backgrounds.
A Message Rooted in Resilience and Hope
This Christmas speech takes on an added layer of significance. It comes after a year when King Charles has been publicly open about battling cancer, with regular sessions of treatment continuing throughout the year. However, his decision to maintain a packed schedule of engagements and overseas trips for 2025 signals his positive response to treatment—a message of resilience and hope that is sure to resonate with many.
The speech, filmed beside a Christmas tree later donated to a hospice in Clapham, will be broadcast on television and radio at 3 pm on Christmas Day. This marks the continuation of a cherished tradition that began with King George V in 1932.
A Setting Steeped in Meaning
The Fitzrovia Chapel is a small yet majestic building tucked away in Pearson Square in London’s West End. Built in the 19th century as part of the Middlesex Hospital, the chapel served staff and patients until the hospital’s demolition. While it no longer hosts regular services, it remains a space for community events, concerts, and quiet reflection.
By delivering his annual address from this restored space, the King not only pays tribute to the healthcare sector but celebrates the chapel’s legacy. Its connections include Rudyard Kipling, who lay in state here before being moved to Westminster Abbey for his funeral.
Honoring Tradition While Forging New Paths
It’s not the first time the Christmas message has been filmed outside royal estates. Notable exceptions include Hampton Court Palace (2010) and Southwark Cathedral (2006). However, this year’s choice of the Fitzrovia Chapel emphasizes themes of healing, unity, and remembrance during a challenging yet hopeful period for the monarch.
Ahead of Christmas, King Charles attended various seasonal events, including a service for those persecuted for their religion and a Christmas market in Battersea. These appearances exemplify his dedication to celebrating community diversity and compassion—a spirit that will surely shine through his Christmas message.
Tune in at 3 pm on Christmas Day to hear the King’s reflections, and find inspiration in his enduring message rooted in resilience and unity.