King calls for respect during Christmas Day speech

King Charles called for respect during his 2025 Christmas address from Westminster Abbey.

He began by remembering his recent visit to the Vatican to meet the new Pope Leo and the historic moment where they prayed together.

His Majesty also reflected on important moments from the previous year, including marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day to end World War II.

As head of the Church of England, King Charles directly spoke of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the Wise Men who travelled to meet the Saviour.

“Journeying is a constant theme of the Christmas Story. The Holy Family made a journey to Bethlehem and arrived homeless without proper shelter. The Wise Men made a pilgrimage from the East to worship at the cradle of Christ; and the Shepherds journeyed from field to town in search of Jesus, the Saviour of the World,” he said.

In times of uncertainty in the world, he called for people to show respect for one another as those did for Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

His Majesty called for respect for diversity and making sure right triumphs over wrong. He also shared his experience with those of different faiths and how he has found common ground.

Reflecting once more on the birth of Jesus, King Charles added:

“Of course, the greatest pilgrimage of all is the journey we celebrate today – the story of the One who ‘came down to Earth from Heaven’, ‘whose shelter was a stable’ and who shared his life with ‘the poor and lowly’. It was a pilgrimage with a purpose, heralded by Angels, that there should be peace on Earth. That prayer for peace and reconciliation – for ‘doing to others as we would have them do to us’ – which rang out over the fields near Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago, still reverberates from there and around the world today. It is a prayer for our times, and our communities too, as we journey through our lives.”

The King’s speech was recorded in the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey in London and featured a performance of “Carol of the Bells” by the choir, Songs for Ukraine. The Royal Opera Chorus joined the choir for the performance.

The speech also included footage of the Royal Family from throughout the year – at home and abroad. The Prince of Wales and Prince George at the Passage charity, the King in Manchester after the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, the Queen decorating the Christmas tree with children at Clarence House, and members of the Royal Family at the VE Day 80 Procession.