They were accompanied by family members – including heir to the throne Prince William (41) and his wife Princess Kate (41) as well as their children Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8) and Prince Louis (5).
Hundreds of fans waited for hours
The royal family met at their country estate in Sandringham on “Christmas Day”, December 25th. According to the PA news agency, the family were greeted by hundreds of people on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church – some had been waiting since early in the morning to see the royals.
Photo gallery: British royals attended Christmas service
(Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS (AFP)) Bild 1/14
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Charles’ brother Prince Andrew, who rarely appears in public because of his involvement in a sexual abuse scandal, was also present. For the first time in years, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson was there, PA reported. As expected, Charles’ son Prince Harry and his wife Duchess Meghan, who have retired from the royal family and live in the USA, were not there. Harry’s relationship with the other royals is considered to be broken.
What Charles said in his speech
In his Christmas speech this year, Charles called for understanding for one another. “At a time of increasing tragic conflict in the world, I pray that we can do everything in our power to protect each other,” the 75-year-old said on television on Christmas Day.
Charles quoted a Bible passage that calls for treating other people the way you would want them to treat you. These words of Jesus are more relevant than ever, said the king. Such values are universal and link the Abrahamic family of religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – and other belief systems in the Commonwealth and around the world.
“They remind us that we should empathize with our neighbors and work for their well-being as much as ours,” said the king in his speech, which he recorded in advance at Buckingham Palace in London.
Thanks to volunteers
It was the monarch’s second Christmas address since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the first since his coronation in May. In the video he paid tribute to people who do volunteer work. Over the course of the year, many examples of people caring for each other warmed his heart. “Simply because they know it’s the right thing to do: at work and at home, inside and outside their communities.”
Charles also spoke regarding environmental protection, which has been important to him for a long time. The monarch said he was pleased that during his life he saw a growing awareness of the need to protect the earth and nature. They are the “one home we all share.” He gave his speech in front of a Christmas tree, which the palace said would be replanted later.
