Christmas speech: Charles’ surprisingly critical words

For decades, the Queen had given the Christmas speech – today was King Charles III. first turn. Unlike his mother, he got involved in politics – words that can be construed as criticism of the government.

It is the first time in 70 years that the Christmas service will begin with the national anthem and the words “God Save the King.” In St. George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the choir sings and Charles is also there in the chapel, next to the festively decorated Christmas tree.

In recent years, the Queen has always spoken to the people from her salon, so Charles had chosen the place where his parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, are buried.

Set your own accents

The Queen always took the opportunity in her Christmas speeches to thank deserving professionals and people who are involved in charitable causes. Charles does the same. But the way in which he praises those professional groups that are currently paralyzing the country with strikes and are being reprimanded by the government for demanding high wages in the face of high inflation could certainly be understood as criticism of the political actors.

He thanks nurses, teachers and public employees for their expertise and commitment to the community. It’s not really a king’s right to take a political stand, but Charles is clearly getting involved, says historian and royal observer Kate Williams: “He’s specifically addressing the professional groups that are currently being criticized and subtly conveying support to them. That is clearly interference by the monarch.”

Thanks to everyone who helps

Charles talks about war, natural disasters and suffering in the world, but also about worry and poverty in his own country. Images of food distribution flicker across the screen and Charles mentions those who can’t pay their bills, feed their families and keep them warm. The King thanks everyone who is donating and giving their time to help in this situation.

The Queen has also always praised solidarity and community spirit in society, but Charles’s call for not abandoning neighbors in need and alleviating hunger basically paints a picture of a country where the state is no longer in control of the problems Has. Charles’ biographer Catherine Mayer had this ARD Studio London already said in an interview in November that it would infuriate the new king against the government if he had to see people in his allegedly so rich country suffering from hunger every day.

Charles has yet to earn popular favor

As the secular head of the Anglican Church, Charles tells of a trip to Bethlehem that moved him deeply. He expresses the Christmas wish that the life-giving light may bring hope for every individual – regardless of what faith one adheres to and even if one is not a believer – which is also a novelty.

Royal house observer Williams believes that Charles still has to develop the close bond with the people that the Queen has always had after a few months in office. But with this first Christmas speech he is on the right track: “Charles has to make it clear that he is in the service of the people, that he also understands the working class, that he is down to earth.” This was not questioned by the Queen, Williams said, but Charles was seen as someone who lived a life of luxury. “Now he has to make it clear that he can understand the concerns and needs of ordinary people.”