Carlos III appeals to faith in his first Christmas message for a United Kingdom in economic recession

The king charles of england he remembered his late mother, Queen Elizabethin his first Christmas message to the British nation as monarch and spoke of his faith in humanity at a time of “great anxiety and hardship”.

Carlos said he shares his mother’s faith in God and people “with all my heart.” He spoke from the St George’s Chapelfinal resting place of the late Queen and from where Elizabeth delivered a Christmas message in 1999.

“It’s a belief in the extraordinary capacity of each person to touch, with kindness and compassion, the lives of others and to shine a light on the world around them,” said Carlos.

“And in these times of great anxiety and hardship – whether for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disasters, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and hot – we see it in the humanity of the people”.

The King’s speech crowned another chaotic year for UK after years dominated by the coronavirus and Brexit.

In 2022, the nation had three prime ministers in two months and now faces an economic downturn and cost-of-living crisis that has forced many to turn to food banks and charities for help.

Carlos III, who acceded to the throne after his mother’s death in September, paid tribute to those charities in his broadcast, which included images of food bank staff, as well as hospital and rescue service staff. and assistance.

The 74-year-old monarch, who also holds the title of “Defender of the Faith” in his capacity as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, spoke of how “our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras” had come together to feed the hungry.

The King, who often sparked controversy as a prince for his strong views on various issues including the environment, had previously said that as monarch he would scale back such public campaigns.

His Sunday message, delivered standing against a Christmas tree in the background, is the latest in a tradition of seasonal royal messages dating back to 1932, when George V made a radio address.

“Community Spirit”

Charles noted in his speech that his son William, the heir to the throne, and William’s wife Catherine had recently visited Wales, “illuminating” them with examples of community spirit.

But he did not mention William’s brother, Harry, or his wife, Meghan, who took part in a documentary earlier this month in which the couple portrayed the royal family as a deaf institution unconcerned with their mental well-being. Harry and Meghan also recounted how they stepped away from their royal roles in 2020 after a series of negative press coverage.

Charles, William and other royals visited a church in Sandringam, eastern England, on Sunday, where the family traditionally spends the festive period.

Also in attendance was the King’s brother, Prince Andrew, who was stripped of most of his royal titles over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a related sexual assault allegation and resulting lawsuit.

The prince reached an agreement in February without admitting any responsibility. The deal included an undisclosed payment.

British newspapers reported this week that Andrew, who has not been charged with any criminal offense and has denied any wrongdoing, has been ousted from Buckingham Palace and will no longer be able to hold any post there.