By Molly Claire Goddard
10:22am PST, Dec 24, 2025
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According to
Daily Express, King Charles III recorded his 2025 speech at Westminster Abbey. His Majesty's decision marks the second year in a row that the message was recorded outside a royal residence or estate. In 2024, the video was shot at Fitzrovia Chapel. The clip will air on Christmas Day.
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The choice of venue was significant for King Charles III, as he reportedly wants to highlight the year's theme of pilgrimage and his own commitment to faith. "In a year that has seen him receive welcome news about his cancer treatment and become the first reigning monarch in over 500 years to publicly pray with the Pope [Leo XIV]," royal expert Emily Ferguson wrote for the publication.
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King Charles III will reportedly express his gratitude to Kate Middleton, who announced earlier this year that she is in remission. "He is expected to focus on peace and togetherness after the past 12 months brought a happier, healthier year for himself and his beloved daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales," Emily Ferguson said.
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The coming year will likely be positive for King Charles III. During Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer special, the father of two announced his chemotherapy treatment will "be reduced" in 2026. "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives," he said in the video. "I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment."
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King Charles III continued to challenge tradition by speaking out about his cancer battle. "It's really unusual to see such a senior member of the royal family speak so openly about their health," his former butler Grant Harrold told The Mirror. "While it's not unusual to see royals support health-related events, like Stand Up To Cancer, it's unusual to see them referring to their own health battles. Prince Philip never spoke about his health. The late Queen Elizabeth II never spoke about hers."
