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In his first Christmas message as monarch, King Charles III paid tribute to Britain's public service workers, many of whom are in a fight with the government.
Charles sympathized with people who were struggling to make ends meet at a time of great anxiety. The U.K. is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis due to high inflation.
The king recalled his mother's death in his first remarks.
Christmas is a particularly sad time for people who have lost a loved one. We remember them in each cherished tradition when they're not around.
The queen died and Charles ascended to the throne. He is going to be crowned in May.
He wore a dark blue suit. Charles stood by a Christmas tree at St. George's Chapel, the church where his mother and father were buried, instead of sitting at a desk.
Charles shared with his mother that he believed in the ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them.
The king said that the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society can be seen in health and social care professionals and teachers.
There have been strikes by nurses, ambulance crews, teachers, postal workers and train drivers. A high level of support for the workers is shown in opinion polls. The unions want pay raises in line with inflation.
Many individuals and families have been affected by soaring food and energy prices.
Charles expressed sympathy for those at home who are trying to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm.
The meaning of Jesus Christ's birth crosses the boundaries of faith and belief according to Charles.
Charles thinks the monarchy can help unify his country. He is trying to show that the institution is relevant.
The six-minute message concluded with an appeal to heed "the everlasting light" which Charles said was a key aspect of Elizabeth's faith.
It is in this life-giving light and with the true humility that lies in our service to others that I believe we can find hope for the future.
The king made no reference to the recent uproar over a documentary series about the acrimonious split from the royal family that followed the decision of his son Prince Harry and daughter-in-law to step back from royal duties.
There were members of the royal family in the video footage. Prince Andrew was stripped of his military titles and removed from being a working royal over his friendship with a sex predator.
Andrew joined Charles and other senior royals for a walk to a church on Christmas morning.
The king and his wife led family members to the church. They included Prince William, Charles' older son and heir to the throne, as well as William's wife, Kate, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Prince Edward and his wife joined them on the walk.
After the family entered the church, congregants sang the Christmas song "O Come, All Ye Faithful."
The royal family's first Christmas at the private country home of four generations of British monarchs was in 2019.
Her last two Christmases were at Windsor Castle. The royal family returned to the holiday tradition of greeting crowds on Sunday.
King Charles will think about his mother. "They will be thinking about it over Christmas, I camped out overnight to be the first in line." It will be a sad time for them, but also a happy time. It needs to be that way.
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