King Charles pays tribute to healthcare workers in Christmas speech after royals’ cancer fights

King Charles gave his speech from a former hospital chapel in central London in a tribute to the healthcare workers who supported the royal family during a difficult year.

King Charles recorded his Christmas message at the Fitzrovia Chapel. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles paid tribute to veterans, healthcare workers and people suffering in global conflicts in his third Christmas address since becoming monarch.

He delivered his address from the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in central London, in a tribute to health workers after a year in which both he and the Princess of Wales fought cancer.

“I am speaking to you today from a chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, now itself a vibrant community space, and thinking specifically of the many thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills and out of the goodness of their heart, care for others. Often at some cost to themselves,” he said.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness. And have helped provide the strength, care, and comfort we have needed.”

The King began his address with a homage to veterans of D-Day who he met in June on the 80th anniversary commemoration of the operation. “Their example of service and selflessness continues to inspire across the generations,” he said.

King Charles smiles as he prerecords his Christmas message. Picture: Pool/AFP

He went on to acknowledge people suffering in global conflicts and the humanitarian organisations providing aid.

“On this Christmas Day we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, in central Europe, in Africa, and elsewhere pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods,” the King said.

In February it was announced that the King had been diagnosed with cancer. His treatment is understood to be moving in a positive direction. Buckingham Palace said his cancer treatment will continue in 2025.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, also undertook cancer treatment this year, starting preventive chemotherapy in late February. She has since finished her treatment and said in September that “that path to healing and full recovery is long”.

Turning 76 this year, the King continued to have regular treatment throughout the year. Despite his health battle the King made many public engagements, including a visit to Australia in October.

During his visit to Canberra he was heckled by independent senator Lidia Thorpe, who shouted at King Charles and Queen Camilla to “give us our land back, give us what you stole”, before she was dragged away by security guards.

In his address the King spoke of his visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where he said he was reminded “of how diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith provide strength, not weakness”.

“Across the Commonwealth, we are held together by a willingness to listen to each other, to learn from one another, and to find just how much we have in common. Because through listening, we learn to respect our differences, to defeat prejudice, and to open up new possibilities,” he said.

The King ended his address with a message of unity and a reflection on the story of the nativity.

“The message of the Angels to the shepherds, that there should be peace on earth echoes through all faiths and philosophies. It rings true to this day for people of goodwill across the world. So it is with this in mind that I wish you and all those you love a most joyful and peaceful Christmas.”