On Christmas Day, many in the UK will pause their festivities at 3pm to watch King Charles give his Christmas message – his second since his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died in September 2022.
The century-long broadcasting tradition has evolved from a broadcast transmitted solely on radio to one carried via television, online (including the royal family’s official YouTube channel), and on social media platforms. It will be rehearsed and pre-recorded in advance of transmission.
Last year the first speech by King Charles III was watched live by a record audience of 10.7 million, the viewing figures reflecting curiosity about how the new king would approach his first Christmas message, and the fact that it was broadcast simultaneously across several television channels.
