King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal family in their walk to church on Christmas Day, marking their first Christmas as reigning monarchs.
The couple, aged 74 and 75 respectively, returned to this annual tradition after having to forgo large family gatherings for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining them on this special occasion were other members of the family, including Charles’s son and heir, Prince William, along with his wife Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who made his Christmas walk debut.
However, amidst the festivities, the absence of Queen Elizabeth loomed heavily in everyone’s minds.
Her passing in September left a void that is deeply felt by the entire family.
As one former palace staffer noted, it will be challenging for them as the Queen was their anchor, their guiding presence.
On the other side of the Christmas celebrations, King Charles broke a royal tradition that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, had practiced for years during her speeches.
In his first-ever Christmas speech to the nation, the King chose to address the country while standing, a departure from the customary seated position adopted by the Queen.
This change allowed the King’s mother to frame lovely pictures of her family during her speeches.
Last year, the nation watched mournfully as Queen Elizabeth delivered her speech with a picture of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, beside her.
In this year’s speech, King Charles focused on the resilience and kindness of the British people amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.
He highlighted practical examples of community spirit, such as Prince William and Kate’s trip to Wales.
Notably absent from his address were any mentions of Prince Harry, Meghan, or their two children residing overseas.
The King’s speech was pre-recorded, and he reflected on standing so close to the resting place of his late mother and father, the King George Memorial Chapel.
He expressed gratitude for the public’s love and sympathy, acknowledging the thousands of cards and messages of condolence he received.
Recognizing the festive season as a poignant time for bereaved families, he emphasized the importance of remembering those who are absent during cherished traditions.
King Charles also acknowledged the global challenges faced by people enduring conflict, famine, natural disasters, and financial hardships.
He praised the compassion and generosity of individuals and charitable organizations who selflessly support those in need.
The King’s Christmas Day speech followed the airing of previously unseen footage of a carol concert organized by Prince Charles the night before.
The concert, held at Westminster Abbey, brought together senior members of the royal family to spread Christmas cheer and give thanks for the past year.
It also served as a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth, with a large image of her projected onto the piano and Kate delivering a moving speech.
As we reflect on this news, it raises questions about the dynamics within the royal family.
Despite the royal celebration, some may wonder if the absence of mention of Harry and Meghan, as well as their upcoming memoir and Netflix deal, suggests a lack of concern from the rest of the family.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Let us wait and see how things unfold.
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