King Charles shares rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of Christmas Day speech: ‘It shows an informality!’
King Charles releasing a sneak preview of his Christmas Day message marks a new tradition that will continue, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has claimed.
The behind-the-scenes glimpse of the monarch’s annual broadcast, shared on social media, represents a departure from previous years, offering viewers an informal look at the preparation process.
The preview footage shows the King adjusting his tie and camera movements being set up, offering a rare glimpse into the preparation of the royal broadcast.
Speaking to GB News, Fitzwilliams drew comparisons with Queen Elizabeth, who was known as “one take Windsor” for her expertise in delivering the Christmas message.
“It’s idea because there’s an informality about it, you actually see it being set up,” Fitzwilliams told GB News.
“As far as I know, we’ve never seen a behind the scenes look at what we are going to be seeing”, he added.
Highlighting the King’s change of location for the speech to Fitzrovia Chapel, Fitzwilliams suggested the speech will focus on themes of empathy during the Christmas season.
He explained: “It’s in the Fitzrovia Chapel, and the link that that has with the Middlesex Hospital – the speech this year will be linked obviously to empathy at Christmas, the royal year, and also the need for community spirit.
“We’re going to be watching tomorrow and it will have worldwide circulation.”
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The royal commentator expressed confidence that this new approach would become a lasting feature of the monarchy’s Christmas traditions.
“I think absolutely this tradition will stay alive,” he said, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this behind-the-scenes access.
Fitzwilliams emphasised the unique position of the Royal Family in delivering such broadcasts.
“What other family in the world can broadcast like this and put a message of goodwill out in the way that the King will tomorrow, with millions listening and also receiving it?” he said.
King Charles will depart from royal tradition by choosing to record his Christmas message at London’s Fitzrovia Chapel, the first change to the location in 14 years.
The selection of this venue appears to be a deliberate acknowledgment of the monarch’s personal health battles, having been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Palace sources recently confirmed that the monarch will continue his cancer treatment into 2025.