King Charles III paid tribute to medical staff who have brought “support” and “comfort” to the royal family in his Christmas address, ending a year marked by cancer for the monarch and his daughter-in-law Kate. The 76-year-old king spoke in a pre-recorded message in a former hospital chapel in London, a symbolic choice.

“ I extend special and sincere thanks to the doctors and nursing staff who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties associated with the disease, and have brought us the strength, care and comfort we needed,” said King Carlos III. “I am also deeply grateful to all those who have kindly sent us words of support and encouragement.”

The British royal family has had a difficult year in 2024, with the king announcing his cancer in February and the Princess of Wales in March . The illness has kept them somewhat away from public life. Prince William, the king's eldest son and Kate's husband, recently said he had had the "most difficult" year of his life. Charles, who became king in 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, resumed his duties at the end of April and is still undergoing treatment for the disease. Princess Kate announced in September that she was finishing chemotherapy and has also gradually resumed her official outings.

In his speech, Charles also recalled the anti-immigration riots that shook the country this summer after three girls were killed in an attack. "I felt a deep sense of pride when here in the UK, in response to the anger and lawlessness that has occurred in several cities this summer, people came together not to repeat these behaviors, but to solve them," he said.

Meanwhile, hours before the traditional Christmas message was broadcast, the King and Queen Camilla attended the Christmas Day service at Sandringham, accompanied by William and Kate and other members of the royal family, but not Prince Andrew: it was announced last week that the prince would not attend the service, following revelations about links to an alleged Chinese spy. The royals were greeted by cheering crowds as they made their way to St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk .

(Unioneonline).

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