CNN
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Britain’s King Charles paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, in his first Christmas broadcast as monarch on Sunday.
Speak at a pre-recorded address in St. Louis. The queen was laid to rest with her husband, Prince Philip, at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, as the new king thanked the public for their love and sympathy following her death in September.
“I think of the letters, cards and messages so many of you have sent me and my wife, and I cannot thank you enough for your love and compassion for our family,” he said.
“Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the seasons and remember them at every cherished tradition.”
King Charles paid tribute to the Queen’s legacy throughout his speech, remembering her belief in the power of the Eternal Light and her belief in people impacting the lives of others.
“In the much-loved carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ we sing ‘On thy dark streets shines an eternal light’.” My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an important part of her belief in God part, and a big part of her belief in people – something I share with all my heart. It is a belief that each individual has an extraordinary ability to touch the lives of others with kindness and compassion, and to shine in the world around them,” he said.
“It’s the essence of our community and the foundation of our society.”
Sunday’s speech marks the first time the UK has broadcast on Christmas Day without the Queen since the Queen’s first address in 1957. In her last Christmas speech last year, she talked about “passing the baton to the next generation”.
King Charles also alluded to the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis, speaking of “anxious” and “difficult” times as people around the world face conflict while those at home struggle to pay their bills and “get their money back.” The family is fed and clothed.”
The King’s Speech continued a royal tradition dating back 90 years and came just days after the Bank of England unveiled the first image of the new monarch on a British banknote.
King Charles’ portrait will appear on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. Meanwhile, the rest of the design will remain in line with the current banknote featuring the late Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.
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