King Charles is Breaking a Major Royal Tradition for Christmas 2024 Amid Cancer Battle
It's time to mix things up.


The Royal Family loves a Christmas tradition, whether it's giving silly joke gifts or taking part in a fancy buffet dinner. But while royal watchers are used to seeing the monarch deliver a Christmas speech from Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, King Charles is stepping away from the norm for the first time this year.
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday, Dec. 23 that The King's Christmas speech was not recorded at a royal residence, with His Majesty choosing instead to tape the message from Fitzrovia Chapel in London. Per the palace, this is the first time since 2006 that a royal Christmas message has not been recorded at either Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Sandringham House.
The King's decision to deliver his annual message from the chapel is a poignant one for numerous reasons, as the church formerly served as the chapel of Middlesex Hospital, which was destroyed in 1924. The new hospital was opened by King Charles's grandfather, King George VI, in 1935.
However, since His Majesty was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, giving the speech from a hospital chapel also holds a deeper meaning.
King Charles recorded his Christmas speech from a new location for 2024.
Fitzrovia Chapel is described by the palace as "a jewel of Byzantine-inspired architecture," and in photos released ahead of the broadcast, The King stands in front of a gorgeous gold leaf ceiling covered in 555 stars. Per Buckingham Palace, the Christmas tree King Charles stood in front of featured "sustainable decorations including pinecones, metal bells, twisted glass and glass baubles."
In another note to his cancer journey, the tree was donated to the Croydon BME Forum and Macmillan Cancer Support’s "Can You C Me?" project and headed to the Royal Trinity Hospice, which Queen Camilla has served as patron of since 2006.
As is tradition, the Royal Family will gather to watch the speech at Sandringham House when it's broadcast on television. This year, more than 45 members of the family will be heading to Sandringham for Christmas, including Princess Beatrice and her family, who are last-minute additions to the list after doctors advised the pregnant royal not to travel abroad to visit her in-laws.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The King's Christmas speech will be broadcast in the U.K. at 3 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. EST) on Christmas Day and will also be posted on the Royal Family's YouTube channel.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
The Hottest Person You Know Is Probably Wearing This Unusual Perfume for Spring
The season’s new signature scent.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Glows in an Anti-Bridal Corset Dress
The newly single star looked snatched in Wiederhoeft.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Princess Beatrice Is Following in the Footsteps of a Surprising Royal
The second-time mom has an incredible example in this regal figure.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Palace Sources Say King Charles's Hospitalization Was a "Bump in the Road" as He Returns to Regular Duties
It was business as usual for The King on April 1.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
This Surprising Duo Has Been Called the "Most Compatible Royal Couple"
"They have had this deep love since they were both very young."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
There's Only One Person King Charles "Will Listen To" When it Comes to His Health Struggles, Per Royal Expert
The busy King will no doubt be given advice from one royal.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Buckingham Palace Shares King Charles Health Update After Hospitalization, Reveals Italy Visit Status
The King will reportedly need a "suitable period of rest."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Queen Camilla Is "Showing Her Strength" as King Charles Cancels All Plans After Hospitalization
Charles has been forced to cancel "an African spa retreat," which he planned to take with Camilla.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Duchess Sophie Allegedly Feels "Snubbed" by King Charles as He Refuses to Slow Down Following Hospitalization
"There should be an opportunity for Sophie to be allowed to do more," a royal expert claimed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization as Palace Didn't Want to "Cause Unnecessary Alarm"
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Her royal tour of Italy comes with a unique set of rules.
By Amy Mackelden Published