King Charles III is preparing to deliver a poignant message to the nation and the Commonwealth this Christmas, continuing a cherished royal tradition. His Majesty's annual Christmas Day broadcast, a fixture of the festive schedule, will offer a moment of reflection as 2025 draws to a close.
When and Where to Watch the King's Speech
The broadcast is scheduled for 3pm on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December 2025. Viewers across the United Kingdom will be able to tune in on multiple terrestrial channels, including BBC One, ITV One, and Sky One. For those preferring radio, the address will also be aired on BBC Radio Four.
In keeping with modern viewing habits, the pre-recorded message will be available on various streaming services and the official royal digital platforms, ensuring everyone can watch at their convenience.
A Tradition of Reflection and Hope
This year's speech will mark King Charles's fourth Christmas message as monarch. The ten-minute address is a significant opportunity for the sovereign to share personal reflections on the events of the past twelve months and to highlight enduring national values.
While the precise content remains under wraps until broadcast, it is widely anticipated that the King will reference both domestic and global issues that have shaped 2025. The speech is also expected to look forward with hope to the coming year, 2026.
The History Behind the Christmas Broadcast
The custom of a monarch addressing the public at Christmas is a storied one, dating back nearly a century. It was King George V who first delivered a royal Christmas message via the then-new medium of radio in 1932.
Since that inaugural broadcast, the event has evolved from a radio exclusive to a televised centrepiece of Christmas Day, becoming a familiar and comforting ritual for millions of families. King Charles III now upholds this duty, connecting the present day with a tradition initiated by his great-grandfather.
The King's Christmas message serves as a unifying moment during the festive season, offering a blend of personal sentiment, national pride, and a forward-looking perspective as a new year approaches.
