The blunder. This Sunday, December 25 marks the day of King Charles III’s first Christmas speech. A first speech highly anticipated that the curious were able to discover 11 hours before the official broadcast time. The reason ? Australian media Sky News posted it on YouTube. If it is customary for Australians to discover the annual speech before Europeans because of the time difference, there is no question of it ending up online.
The 8-minute video should never have been released on the internet before it was 3pm in the UK since the broadcasters have an agreement with Buckingham and the BBC. A contract which was therefore not respected by Sky Australia.
A tribute to Elizabeth II
For the occasion, the King is standing in front of a large fir tree in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the place where the Queen was buried and where Prince Philip rests. A setting very different from that of the speeches of her mother who appeared seated at her desk surrounded by family photos.
It is with a moving tribute to the latter that the king begins his speech. “I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown to our entire family.“, did he declare.
In the midst of the economic crisis in the United Kingdom, Charles III praised solidarity throughout his message. He praised military, emergency services and health care personnel, “all those people who work tirelessly for the security of the country“.
The king cited those facing war, hunger or natural disasters as well as those “here looking for ways to pay their bills or feed and heat their families“while inflation is approaching 11%.
If he alludes to Kate and William, the Sussexes are not mentioned, contrary to rumors that have circulated in recent days.
“Whatever your faith, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light and with the true humility that lies in service to others that I believe we can find hope for the future.“, he added. Charles III concluded his speech by wishing a “merry christmas made of peace, happiness and eternal life“.