The British monarch’s message comes in a year that saw two cancer diagnoses in the family.
Britain’s King Charles III offered “heartfelt thanks” to health workers in his 2024 Christmas message after he and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, were both diagnosed with cancer this year.
The 76-year-old monarch said he and his family are “continually” impressed by those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said in the pre-recorded speech.
The broadcast came several hours after the British monarch waved to onlookers as several royal family members attended Christmas Day services in Sandringham.
The king walked with Queen Camilla as his eldest son, Prince William, Kate and their three children followed.
Kate, who has slowly returned to public duties after completing chemotherapy, hugged a cancer patient after the service.
This is the king’s third Christmas speech since he ascended the throne after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022.
The king also spoke about meeting veterans during D-Day commemorations and of the “devastating effects of conflict” in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa, and elsewhere.
On the domestic front, King Charles III expressed his “deep sense of pride” for communities that came together after riots broke out in many towns and cities following a stabbing attack at a dance class that left three girls dead and several wounded.
Cancer diagnoses
Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February. His treatment is believed to be ongoing.
It had forced him to step away from public appearances for two months but he has slowly returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits on a tour of Australia and the South Pacific in October.
A few weeks after Charles began treatment, the Princess of Wales announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year.
In a voiceover for her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which was recorded this month but broadcast on Tuesday evening, Kate also reflected on the love and support that she received.
“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” she said.
“It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences”.
