King Charles prepares to deliver first Christmas Day speech continuing Elizabeth II's tradition

The King’s Speech returns to televisions this year.

I am not referring to Colin Firth’s Oscar-winning performance but King Charles making his first Christmas Day speech, addressing the nation at a turbulent time.

The new monarch will make his debut speech on Christmas Day following the passing of his mother at the age of 96.

Across the Commonwealth, many look forward to watching or listening to the royal speech on the 25 December as much as having the turkey on the table or singing Christmas carols with the family, making it a tradition.

Therefore, it may take some getting used to after the late Elizabeth II delivered 69 speeches throughout her reign, even with a 3D delivery in 2012.

The Queen’s 2020 speech was the most watched programme that Christmas with an average viewing number of over six million people, according to BBC One.

While the very first message was delivered in 1932, the royal Christmas broadcast was firmly established in 1939 as war broke out with King Charles' grandfather, Elizabeth’s father, offering a message of reassurance to his people.

So in light of King Charles’ potentially reign-defining speech, People World takes a look back at some of Elizabeth’s defining speeches:

The first speech

Following the death of Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI, in February 1952, the young monarch promised to continue the tradition passed on to her.

Using the same desk and chair as her father, she said: “Each Christmas, at this time, my beloved father broadcast a message to his people in all parts of the world…As he used to do, I am speaking to you from my own home, where I am spending Christmas with my family.

“My Father and Grandfather before him, worked hard all their lives to unite our peoples ever more closely…I shall strive to carry on their work.”

First televised broadcast in 1957

1957 was an important year in terms of the annual Christmas Day speech as it was not only the year it was first televised but also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first speech made by King George V.

Queen Elizabeth II made the live broadcast from Sandringham Estate, and was able to be seen and heard across the country and Commonwealth.

People listened eagerly to see what the Queen thought of the new ‘medium’ as they welcomed the modern era, but she mainly spoke of maintaining honesty, morality and religion.

1969 documentary and public concern

Throughout Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, Her Majesty only missed one Christmas broadcast, namely in 1969.

Up until this point, the love for the Christmas speeches had grown substantially, meaning there was vast public concern when they announced Elizabeth would not return to screens to speak to them.

However, in its place, the royal family still appeared in homes on December 25 as a documentary was released showing behind the scenes access.

1992 Annus horribilis

Labelled ‘annus horribilis’ by Elizabeth herself, the 1992 Christmas day speech holds a special place in people’s memories.

The then-Queen described the tough year to listeners and viewers, when three of her children went through divorces and much of Windsor Castle was destroyed in a fire, stating:

“Like many other families, we have lived through some difficult days this year. The prayers, understanding and sympathy given to us by so many of you, in good times and bad, have lent us great support and encouragement.”

In addition, the royal family won £200,000 damages, which they donated to charity, after The Sun published the Queen’s message two days early.

1997 broadcast

Five years later came another devastating speech delivered by Elizabeth II, following the tragic death of Princess Diana.

Referencing the national grief in an emotional speech, Her Majesty emphasised the comfort the family felt from the nation’s support.

The Diana speech was the first to be published on the internet and stands as the longest-ever Christmas message at nine minutes and 50 seconds.