Royal family at Sandringham live: Charles sends Christmas message after joining Kate and William at Sandringham

The annual broadcast, produced this year by ITN, began with military musicians from the House Brass Band playing the national anthem from a balcony overlooking Buckingham Palace grounds, and ended with the Bexley Music Core Choir performing the hymn “While the Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”. .

Highlights of the royal year were showcased, with the King, Queen, Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attending the events.

Footage of William, Kate and their children arriving for the Princess of Westminster's Abbey Carol was also shown, and the film ended with Charles' final appearance on Coronation Day on the palace balcony.

The Christmas broadcast was written by the king and included a strong Christian element, a reflection of the head of state who described himself as a “devoted Anglican Christian” during a reception for religious leaders after Queen Elizabeth's death.

For the second year in a row, the king recognized other religions, describing how “the world's major religions” celebrate festivals with a special meal and how it is the responsibility of “people of all faiths and of none” to care for the natural world. .

“We need to build on existing ways of supporting others less fortunate than ourselves,” said King Charles, who launched the Coronation Food Project in November to support charities that feed the disadvantaged with unwanted produce.

Against the backdrop of the Queen Victoria Memorial, Charles said: “Over the past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the innovative ways in which people care for each other – going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do.” : at work and at home; within and across communities.

“My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of this dedicated army of people – volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction – were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. They are the essential backbone of our community.”

The king called on people to “protect each other” and said in his Christmas broadcast that the world is living in a period of increasingly tragic conflict.

Charles delivered his ceremonial speech – the second of his reign after the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – standing in the Central Room of Buckingham Palace, which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking the Mall.

my colleague Tara Cobham He has the full report:

King Charles gave his second Christmas speech during his reign as king, and it was noteworthy what it included as well as what – and who – it left out, Mira Pat Reports.

While his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, traditionally chose a family-centered speech with photos of her children and relatives in the background, the King's speech excluded any mention of his loved ones at all.

However, a quick glance was seen at Prince William and Kate.

The royal family celebrated Christmas Day by attending a traditional festive church service at the King's Sandringham estate.

Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand-in-hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham House on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.

They walked behind the King and Queen, who were greeted by about a thousand locals, many of whom had waited for hours on Christmas morning to catch a glimpse of the family.

Most families have their own beloved Christmas traditions. Maybe you play an endless game of Monopoly, wear your pajamas all day or fall asleep to a hum EastEnders Christmas special. Whatever your traditions are – the royal family has some of their own great traditions too, Eli Moir Reports.

Royal Christmases are full of tradition and routine: a morning church visit, a roast turkey feast, a walk on the grounds of Sandringham, and the opening of presents with a little nod to their German roots.

Queen Elizabeth II is known to have hosted every Christmas at the family's country home in Norfolk since 1998 – and her son King Charles is likely to continue the tradition in his first official year as king after his coronation in May.

Despite rumblings about a potential reconciliation at Sandringham, it appears that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the Royal Family for the annual Christmas celebrations in Norfolk after all. Manya Sachdeva Reports.

The late Queen Elizabeth II has hosted every Christmas at the Royal Palace since 1998, and her son, King Charles III, is expected to continue the same tradition in his first official year as monarch since the coronation in May.

Last month, it was reported that the couple would not turn down an invitation to spend Christmas at Sandringham if asked, amid rumors that a reunion between Harry and Charles could be on the horizon.