The King's Christmas Broadcast 2022
Published
His Majesty reflects on Queen Elizabeth II's faith in people and thanks those who have given their time to help others.
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 season and remember them in each cherished tradition.
I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, The late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father. I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.
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 season and remember them in each cherished tradition.
In the much-loved carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” we sing of how “in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.” My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people – and it is one which I share with my whole heart. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them. This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.
We see it in the selfless dedication of our Armed Forces and Emergency Services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently as we mourned the passing of our late Queen. We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.
And at this time of great anxiety and hardship – be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm – we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.
I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all – their time - to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organizations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.
Our Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Temples and Gurdwaras, have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as ourself. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light on practical examples of this community spirit .
Some years ago, I was able to fulfil a life-long wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. There, I went down into the Chapel of the Manger and stood in silent reverence by the Silver Star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of Jesus’s birth. It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, “The light that has come into the world” was born.
While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief. So, whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future. Let us therefore celebrate it together, and cherish it always.
With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light.
Related content
Message to the people of Northern Ireland
Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process.
A message from The Earl of Wessex on the legacy of his father, The Duke of Edinburgh.
I, like all my family, have a lifetime of lasting impressions.
A speech by The Duke of Edinburgh on ‘Inter-face / User and Machine' at the RSA Conference, 6 November 2002
I think it is pretty well known that I have always been a great supporter of science and engineering and I have considerable respect for the technologies, which they have...
A message from The Duke of Cambridge following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh
My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.
A statement from The Princess Royal following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh
It is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to mark Greece's Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations
On the significant occasion of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my congratulations, together...
Trooping the Colour will not go ahead in its traditional form in 2021
A message of condolence from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Tanzania
Prince Philip and I were saddened to learn of the death of President John Magufuli. I wish to convey my condolences to his loved ones and my deepest sympathy to the people of...
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the President of Ireland, His Excellency Michael D Higgins
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir
The Royal Family and Space
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021
Stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory.
The tenth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes
While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting...
Buckingham Palace statement on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
The Duchess of Cambridge marks 5th anniversary of London Baby Bank Little Village
Announcement of the birth of Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank’s first baby
A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at the Royal Foundation's Forum on the Early Years
The Duchess of Cambridge has spoken of her ambition to put the Early Years on an equal footing with the other great social challenges and opportunities of our time during an...
The Christmas Broadcast 2020
Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of...