King Charles will make his first Christmas speech to the nation next month. It will be the first time in history that a male monarch has delivered the televised festive message.
The Royal tradition of the Christmas message was started in the 1930s by King George V but was delivered via radio. Queen Elizabeth II made her festive television debut in 1957.
The previous male monarch to deliver the Christmas message from the Royal family was King George VI. The late Queen’s father broadcast his message each year and helped to rally hope during the Second World War.
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King Charles III made his first address to the nation in September, the day after the death of his mother. But when will he be sharing his festive message and how will you be able to watch?
What date will the King’s Speech be on TV?
Continuing tradition, the King is expected to make his first festive speech on Christmas Day. The late Queen Elizabeth had pre-recorded her speech the week prior to the broadcast and it is expected that the King will do the same.
If everything goes as expected, the broadcast will be available across TV, radio and online streaming on Christmas Day, December 25 2022.
What time will the King’s speech be broadcast?
While the time of the King's Speech is yet to be confirmed, the speech is typically broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day.
Since 1997, the BBC and ITV have taken it in turns to broadcast the monarch's Christmas speech, while Sky was added to the rotation in 2011. Last year, the address was available on multiple channels at the same time as well as on the Royal Family’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
What will King Charles talk about in his Christmas speech?
The theme of the King’s Speech has yet to be confirmed. However, it is likely that he will pay tribute to his late mother, the Queen, who passed away at the age of 96 in September.
It is expected that he will reflect on her years of service and her Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year. The King may also address the turbulent time in the UK’s politics, with multiple Prime Ministers taking office, as well as the Covid recovery and the war in Ukraine.
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