King Charles III and close members of the royal family attended Christmas Day church services Wednesday at a church in Sandringham, the estate on the windswept North Sea coast that has served as a retreat for the royal family for generations. His brother Prince Andrewhowever, was noticeably absent.
The king, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, waved to a large crowd of spectators as he walked alongside his wife, Queen Camille. They were joined by Prince William, Prince of Wales, and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, the king’s daughter-in-law, who slowly returned to public duties after her own return. cancer diagnosis and a chemotherapy course.
OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
In reflection of the medical treatments they received, Charles used its annual Christmas message to highlight health care workers.
“On a personal note, I extend my sincere thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of the disease , and have helped to give us the strength, care and comfort that we have. what we needed,” Charles said in his speech, broadcast to millions of viewers in the UK and across the Commonwealth.
“I am also deeply grateful to all those who have offered us their kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”
It’s the king’s third Christmas speech since he ascended the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabethdied in September 2022. This is the first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February.
Charles’ speech was recorded on December 11 at Fitzrovia Chapel in London, part of the now-demolished Middlesex Hospital, where his first wife, Diana, opened the first dedicated ward for people with AIDS in London. The building is richly decorated in a neo-Gothic style with more than 500 stars on a gold leaf ceiling.
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
“I guess this space, being a space for quiet reflection, but also reflection about health, about care, about the medical profession, would make it a pretty good choice,” said Carla Whalen, chair of the board of directors. from the Fitzrovia Chapel Foundation.
Charles’ treatment forced him to step away from public appearances for two months. The 76-year-old monarch has slowly returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits while touring Australia with his wife, Queen Camilla, in October.
It’s been a difficult year for the royal family. Weeks after Charles began treatment, the Princess of Wales announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of a year while she underwent chemotherapy.
In a voiceover for the broadcast of her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which was recorded this month but broadcast on Tuesday evening, Kate reflected on the love and support she received .
“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” she said. “It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as how much we need each other despite our differences.”
Prince Andrew absent from Christmas event
One familiar face was missing from the traditional scene outside St. Mary Magdalene Church: Prince Andrew. The king’s brother, aged 64, retreated further into the shadows when it was learned that a Chinese businessman banned of the United Kingdom due to concerns, he cultivated ties with Andrew on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
Andrew, once second in line to the British throne, became a constant source of fodder for the tabloids due to his financial problems and ties to questionable characters, including the late American financier and convicted pedophile. Jeffrey Epstein.
Even though Andrew withdrew from public duties, he continued to appear at family events and his absence from Sandringham suggests a further withdrawal from the public eye. The king has come under pressure to put more distance between Andrew and the royal family to avoid further embarrassment to the monarchy.
Although Andrew said he never discussed anything sensitive with the alleged Chinese spy and stopped all contact with the man as soon as concerns were raised, the scandal raises questions “More questions about his judgment and distract from the work of the royal family,” Ed Owens said. , author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?” »
“The reason it’s a problem for the king is simply that the king is trying to rebrand the monarchy at the moment, focusing attention on him, but also on William, Catherine, what they’re trying to do,” Owens said.
“It has been a very difficult year for the monarchy, particularly because of the two cancer diagnoses. And all the positive headlines that the king has tried to generate in recent times are unfortunately being overshadowed by the behavior, the reckless behavior, of his younger brother, who once again finds himself in the headlines.”