King Charles III is about to have another premiere: on Christmas Day (4 p.m. German time) his first Christmas speech as king will be broadcast on television. He follows his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8 at the age of 96.

She appeared in her first TV message for the festival in 1957. King George V began the tradition of the royal Christmas speech in 1932 with a broadcast.

Now a first picture of King Charles III has been taken from the palace. published at his address. The 74-year-old can be seen at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. A funeral service was held in the chapel at the Queen’s state funeral.

Charles wears a dark blue suit with a matching tie and handkerchief to his speech. The monarch, who is committed to protecting the environment, also added his own touch to the special occasion:

Behind him is a festively decorated Christmas tree that has been fitted with plastic-free, recyclable decorations, including sustainable materials like paper and glass, and natural products like pine cones.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and the royal family will spend Christmas in Sandringham for the first time in three years after the Corona break. According to British media reports, Buckingham Palace has confirmed this. The Royals last met at the Norfolk estate in 2019 for their traditional Christmas party.