King Charles’s decision to break tradition with this year’s Christmas speech is “significant” given the monarch’s continued treatment for cancer, a royal expert has claimed.
Charles has departed from royal tradition by choosing to record his Christmas message at London’s Fitzrovia Chapel, the first change to the location for more than a decade.
Speaking to GB News, Charles Rae highlighted that this marks the first change in location in 14 years, breaking from the usual setting of a royal residence.
According to The Sun’s former royal correspondent, the choice of location appears closely tied to recent health challenges within the Royal Family.
King Charles has broken with royal tradition ahead of his annual Christmas speech to the nation
PA
“I think it’s partly to do with his battle with cancer, and the fact that the Princess of Wales has also been battling it as well,” Rae told GB News.
The Fitzrovia Chapel holds particular significance due to its historical connection to healthcare, having previously served the former Middlesex Hospital.
The selection of this venue appears to be a deliberate acknowledgment of the monarch’s personal health battles, with Rae noting its past role in serving both patients and medical staff.
“It’s a beautiful building, this Fitzrovia Chapel, a Victorian Gothic, which would fit in with his leanings towards the architecture,” he said.
King Charles recorded his Christmas speech at the Fitzrovia Chapel
PA
Rae emphasised that King Charles’s choice reflects broader societal concerns about division.
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“I think it’s because we’re living in times where there’s a lot of separation. There’s a lot of disgust with all sorts of different matters that are going on,” he told GB News.
The former royal correspondent explained that the King is “very anxious” to promote unity among people.
The monarch’s aim, according to Rae, is to encourage people to care for one another despite their differences.
“I think it’s very important to him, as it is important for other members of the Royal Family, that we have a more friendly, cohesive people,” he told GB News.
Charles Rae told GB News that the decision to change location is ‘important’ to the King
GB News
The also former royal correspondent emphasised that the monarch’s desire for mutual respect across society.
Rae highlighted the importance of people respecting “each other no matter what their viewpoints are”.
He concluded: “I think it’s because we’re living in times where there’s a lot of separation.
“There’s a lot of disgust with all sorts of different matters that are going on, and I think he is very anxious that we try and get back together, that we all care for each other and we can all live together despite our differences on religion and other matters.”
