Reason why King Charles broke Christmas speech royal protocol for the first time in 14 years

Here is the reason why King Charles III decided to break royal protocol with his 2024 Christmas speech today.

Royal broadcasts have been a staple in British programming on Christmas Day, with most of us used to seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II - and now Charles - pop up on our TVs with a 10-minute speech at 3.00pm.

The speeches typically take place within Buckingham Palace or from somewhere else in the royal estate, with eagle-eyed viewers scrutinising the photos of family members in the background.

However there was none of that this year as the King opted to break protocol with his 2024 address.

King Charles broke Royal protocol with this year's speech (Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The speech - which had been pre-recorded on 11 December - was filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, a former chapel of the Middlesex Hospital which is now closed and demolished.

This marked the first time in 14 years since the staple speech has not been filmed in a building of the royal estate.

So, what's the reason for the change in venue?

The Grade II* listed chapel featured in this year's speech features a 'richly decorated' interior which offered a place of 'peace, prayer and reflection' for both patients and healthcare workers at the former hospital.

Acknowledgement and appreciation for doctors and nurses were a key part of the King's speech, after several members of the Royal Family underwent their own health battles earlier in the year.

The interior of Fitzrovia Chapel, which features Byzantine-inspired architecture (Getty Stock Images)

As you'll remember, the King began treatment for an unspecified form of cancer earlier back in February and made sure to pay tribute to 'selfless' healthcare workers during his speech. Kate Middleton also revealed that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy a month later, with the Princess of Wales confirming she was cancer-free in September.

"From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed," he said.

"I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement."

King Charles III stood in Fitzrovia Chapel (Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Elsewhere in the speech, the King revealed his 'deep sense of pride' in seeing how communities came together after a series of riots rocked the nation in the days following the devastating Southport stabbings which killed three girls.

"I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair," he added.