King’s Speech: King Charles pays tribute to ‘beloved’ Queen in first Christmas address

King Charles III has paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II in his first King’s Speech.

On Christmas Day, the monarch opened his inaugural festive address as king, which marks the first time a King’s Speech has ever been televised, with a moving tribute to the Queen.

Stood in front of the festive scenes at St George’s Chapel in Sandringham, Charles began: “I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.

“I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.”

He continued: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

“In the much-loved carol “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”, we sing of how ‘In thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.’ My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people and it is one which I share with my whole heart.”

Charles then praised the armed forces and emergency services for “working tirelessly”, in particular during the nationwide mourning period.

“With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light,” he concluded the message.

Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September after more than 70 years on the British throne.

This year’s King’s Speech was pre-recorded by the King at Sandringham on 13 December.

The first ever King’s Speech was delivered in 1932 by King George V.