This Sunday marked the first Christmas for the royal family since the death of Elizabeth II, after 70 years of reign. Her son Carlos, who assumed the throne, observed for the occasion a tradition respected by all British monarchs since 1932: that of the Christmas message addressed to citizens, pre-recorded and broadcast on television on December 25. During this speech, King Carlos III saluted the memory of his mother.
This few-minute speech was recorded in the Saint-Georges chapel, which houses the Georges VI Memorial where the former monarch and her husband, Prince Philippe, died on April 9, 2021.
“I am here in the magnificent St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother rests with my beloved father,” King Charles II said by way of introduction.
The emotion of a whole country
“Cela me remémore les lettres, les cartes et les messages profondément touchants que tant d’entre vous nous ont envoyés, à mon épouse et moi-même, et je ne peux vous remercier assez pour l’amour et la sympathie que vous avez témoignés the whole family.”
The UK was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion at the death of Elizabeth II on September 8 at the age of 96. More than 250,000 people lined up for hours outside Westminster Hall, London, for the chance to bow before her coffin for a few minutes in the days leading up to her funeral. Likewise, Buckingham’s door was invaded by bouquets of flowers.
“Christmas is an especially moving time for all of us who have lost a loved one. We feel his absence during all the ritual stages of this time, and we remember him in every tradition,” continued King Carlos III.
The media convinced by the new monarch
The monarch then spoke of a Christmas carol, Oh little town of Bethlehemin which it is about “an eternal light that shines in the dark streets”: “My mother’s confidence in the power of this light was an important part of her faith in God, but also of the faith she had towards people It is a confidence that I share with all my heart.”
After speaking of solidarity in the face of the “anguish” and “hardships” of those who face war, famine or natural disasters, King Carlos III concludes:
“While Christmas is obviously a Christian holiday, the power of light that overcomes darkness transcends the boundaries of faith and belief. So whatever your faith, or even if you have none, be in this light that gives life and in the humility of service to others. I believe we can find hope for the future.”
This first Christmas speech by the new king convinced the British media. On the side of the tabloids, Sun reserves its cover for Carlos III whom he describes as “King of hearts”, to understand the “king of hearts”. For his part, the daily mail greets the king’s “message of hope and love” and also insists on the emotional tribute of a son to his late mother.
Source: BFM TV
