Buckingham Palace has unveiled the setting for King Charles III's 2025 Christmas broadcast, revealing a significant departure from tradition. For the second consecutive year, the monarch has chosen to record his annual festive address away from a royal palace.
A Chapel Steeped in History
The chosen location is the historic Lady Chapel within Westminster Abbey in central London. A photograph released by the Palace shows the King delivering his message amidst the chapel's ornate surroundings. The palace confirmed the abbey was selected to directly reflect a central theme of this year's message: pilgrimage.
Westminster Abbey holds profound significance for this theme, as pilgrims have visited for centuries to honour the legacy of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine lies at the heart of the building. The abbey is also the site of the King's own coronation and every coronation since 1066, giving it deep royal resonance.
Royal and Historical Significance
The Henry VII Lady Chapel is a site of immense historical importance. It serves as the burial place for 15 kings and queens, including Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. The chapel's walls are adorned with 95 statues of saints dating from its construction in the 16th century.
Further royal connections lie beneath the floor:
- The central aisle covers the Hanoverian vault, holding George II and family members.
- The Stuart vault in the south aisle contains the remains of Charles II, William III, Mary II, and Queen Anne.
A Personal Monarchical Tradition
The King is understood to take a keen personal interest in the filming location each year. The Christmas message remains a rare speech delivered without government advice or consultation, making it a uniquely personal reflection from the sovereign. The full details of his address are kept secret until the broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day.
The released photograph also offers a glimpse of ongoing festive preparations. Brightly lit Christmas trees visible in the shot were used for the Princess of Wales's Together at Christmas carol service, filmed earlier in December and set for broadcast on Christmas Eve.
This deliberate choice of venue underscores the King's approach to linking the monarchy's messages with the nation's historical and spiritual fabric, continuing his pattern of using symbolic locations for this pivotal annual broadcast.
