the king's speech christmas day

Read the full transcript of King Charles III's Christmas message

King Charles III delivered his first Christmas message as monarch on Sunday.

The pre-recorded speech, which aired at 15:00 GMT (10:00 EST) on Christmas Day, saw the new king honour the legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Sept. 8.

• King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II, public workers in speech

Charles delivered the message from the historic St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England, where both of his parents and many other royals are buried. It was the first televised royal Christmas address not to be delivered by Queen Elizabeth, who initially did so 1957.

Here is a full transcript of King Charles' speech:

"I'm 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'm 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.

• Royal Dispatch newsletter: Sign up for exclusive insights on the monarchy

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 have faith in people, and it is one which I share with my whole heart. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch with goodness and compassion the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them.

This is the essence of our community, and the very foundation of our society. We see it in the selfless dedication of our armed forces and emergency services, who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who perform so magnificently as we mourn the passing of our late Queen. We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers, and indeed all those working in public service whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities. And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills to keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth, who so readily respond to the plight of others.

I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them in greatest need. Together with the many charitable organizations, which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances, our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as ourself. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light of practical examples of this community spirit.

Some years ago, I was able to fulfill a lifelong wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. There I went down into the chapel of the manger, and stood in silent reverence by the silver star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ's birth. It meant more to me than I can possibly express, to stand on that spot where as the Bible tells us, the light that has come into the world was born.

While Christmas is of course a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief. So whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, 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. Let us therefore celebrate it together and cherish it always. With all my heart I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness, and everlasting light."

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"This is not only an attack against (World Central Kitchen), this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war," said the organization's CEO Erin Gore in an emailed statement. "This is unforgivable." Gore's group suspended its operations in Gaza following the attack. One image from the scene shows a white truck, the World Central Kitchen logo clearly visible among the charred remains. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is "absolutely unacceptable" to attack aid workers. "This is something that never should have happened, and we are heartbroken for the families and for the organization that has been putting people in harm's way to counter the extraordinarily devastating humanitarian crisis going on in Gaza right now," he said. "We obviously need full accountability and investigation in this." Trudeau said there needs to be "clarity" about how it happened and repeated a call for a ceasefire "so more aid workers are not in danger as they try to respond to the suffering on the ground in Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the Israel Defence Forces carried out the "unintended strike" that killed "innocent people." He said officials are investigating and "will do everything, for this not to happen again." The U.S. Aid Workers Security Database said more than 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the latest conflict escalated there in the fall. On Oct. 7, Hamas, a designated terrorist entity in Canada, launched an attack against Israel that killed 1,200 people, many of them living in agricultural communes near the Gaza border. More than 200 hostages were taken, and about 100 remain in captivity in Gaza. The Netanyahu government responded with tremendous force, pledging to destroy Hamas. More than one million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced, and aid agencies warn the situation is dire, with access to food and medicine extremely limited. The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, said more than 32,000 people have been killed in the territory since October. World Central Kitchen recently reported it had set up 68 kitchens across Gaza, providing millions of meals to desperate people. Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010 following the deadly earthquake in Haiti, the charity partners with local chefs and restaurants as much as possible to rapidly scale up food delivery aid following a natural disaster or amid war. It currently has operations in multiple countries dealing with armed conflicts, including Haiti and Ukraine. It also often responds quickly following hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2022, it partnered with Canadian restaurants in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to provide meals to families affected by the post-tropical storm Fiona. In mid-March, World Central Kitchen became the first aid group to bring aid to Gaza by sea in more than 20 years, with security provided by Israel. Making it happen required building a makeshift pier from rubble trucked in from around the territory. A second sea shipment left Cyprus on Saturday. The workers delivering that aid were the ones who were hit. Just a week ago, Lalzawmi Frankcom, known as Zomi, was on the charity's X account, sharing a video from the same warehouse where she was killed Monday. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to explain what happened following the death of three of its citizens. Poland and Australia also demanded explanations from Israel. It was not clear if Canada had spoken directly with Israeli officials. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Tuesday she was "horrified" by the airstrike. Her office said that as of late afternoon she had not yet connected with her Israeli counterpart. "We condemn these strikes and call for a full investigation," she posted on X. "Canada expects full accountability for these killings and we will convey this to the Israeli government directly." Speaking in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his government had already made entreaties with Israel's government for a "swift, thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened." Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East said it defies belief that the airstrikes accidentally targeted aid workers. “This is far from the first time that Israel has targeted an aid convoy or killed humanitarian workers," said the group's vice-president Michael Bueckert. He called on Canada to sanction Israeli leaders. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada also called for accountability, describing the airstrike as "deeply regrettable." "The Israeli government must carry out a thorough investigation and hold those who made the error accountable," the group said in a statement. "Humanitarian aid into Gaza is essential, as are Israel's efforts to destroy Hamas military capabilities. We express condolences to those who were killed." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2024. — With files from The Associated PressCanada joined multiple allies including the United States, Poland and Australia in demanding a full investigation Tuesday after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed food in the Gaza Strip. The workers, including a dual Canadian-American citizen, were in a convoy leaving a World Central Kitchen warehouse in Deir al-balah in central Gaza on Monday night. They had just delivered 100 tonnes of food shipped in via boat from Cyprus. World Central Kitchen identified the dual Canadian-U.S. citizen as 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger. The strike took place despite extensive efforts to co-ordinate the movements of World Central Kitchen workers with the Israel Defence Forces, the aid group said in a statement. The attack also killed three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national and a Palestinian. "This is not only an attack against (World Central Kitchen), this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war," said the organization's CEO Erin Gore in an emailed statement. "This is unforgivable." Gore's group suspended its operations in Gaza following the attack. One image from the scene shows a white truck, the World Central Kitchen logo clearly visible among the charred remains. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is "absolutely unacceptable" to attack aid workers. "This is something that never should have happened, and we are heartbroken for the families and for the organization that has been putting people in harm's way to counter the extraordinarily devastating humanitarian crisis going on in Gaza right now," he said. "We obviously need full accountability and investigation in this." Trudeau said there needs to be "clarity" about how it happened and repeated a call for a ceasefire "so more aid workers are not in danger as they try to respond to the suffering on the ground in Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the Israel Defence Forces carried out the "unintended strike" that killed "innocent people." He said officials are investigating and "will do everything, for this not to happen again." The U.S. Aid Workers Security Database said more than 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the latest conflict escalated there in the fall. On Oct. 7, Hamas, a designated terrorist entity in Canada, launched an attack against Israel that killed 1,200 people, many of them living in agricultural communes near the Gaza border. More than 200 hostages were taken, and about 100 remain in captivity in Gaza. The Netanyahu government responded with tremendous force, pledging to destroy Hamas. More than one million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced, and aid agencies warn the situation is dire, with access to food and medicine extremely limited. The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, said more than 32,000 people have been killed in the territory since October. World Central Kitchen recently reported it had set up 68 kitchens across Gaza, providing millions of meals to desperate people. Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010 following the deadly earthquake in Haiti, the charity partners with local chefs and restaurants as much as possible to rapidly scale up food delivery aid following a natural disaster or amid war. It currently has operations in multiple countries dealing with armed conflicts, including Haiti and Ukraine. It also often responds quickly following hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2022, it partnered with Canadian restaurants in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to provide meals to families affected by the post-tropical storm Fiona. In mid-March, World Central Kitchen became the first aid group to bring aid to Gaza by sea in more than 20 years, with security provided by Israel. Making it happen required building a makeshift pier from rubble trucked in from around the territory. A second sea shipment left Cyprus on Saturday. The workers delivering that aid were the ones who were hit. Just a week ago, Lalzawmi Frankcom, known as Zomi, was on the charity's X account, sharing a video from the same warehouse where she was killed Monday. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to explain what happened following the death of three of its citizens. Poland and Australia also demanded explanations from Israel. It was not clear if Canada had spoken directly with Israeli officials. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Tuesday she was "horrified" by the airstrike. Her office said that as of late afternoon she had not yet connected with her Israeli counterpart. "We condemn these strikes and call for a full investigation," she posted on X. "Canada expects full accountability for these killings and we will convey this to the Israeli government directly." Speaking in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his government had already made entreaties with Israel's government for a "swift, thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened." Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East said it defies belief that the airstrikes accidentally targeted aid workers. “This is far from the first time that Israel has targeted an aid convoy or killed humanitarian workers," said the group's vice-president Michael Bueckert. He called on Canada to sanction Israeli leaders. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada also called for accountability, describing the airstrike as "deeply regrettable." "The Israeli government must carry out a thorough investigation and hold those who made the error accountable," the group said in a statement. "Humanitarian aid into Gaza is essential, as are Israel's efforts to destroy Hamas military capabilities. We express condolences to those who were killed." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press

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What time is King Charles’ Christmas speech and where can I watch it?

Monarch expected to reflect on death of his late mother in landmark broadcast, article bookmarked.

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King Charles III will give his first Christmas Day address to the nation after lunch on Sunday and is expected to honour his late mother Queen Elizabeth II , who died on 8 September after a record 70 years and 214 days on the British throne.

Her Majesty had delivered every televised festive speech since the inaugural broadcast of 1957, before which her message had been carried on radio since 1932.

The last time a king gave the address, it was her father, King George VI , who stood behind the microphone to reflect on the events of 1951.

The King’s Speech, which was pre-recorded by His Majesty at Sandringham on 13 December, will be shown at 3pm on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV One and Sky One and last for 10 minutes.

It will also be available on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX catch-up services shortly after broadcast.

• King Charles III reveals where he'll spend Christmas
• King Charles III’s official birthday date revealed for Trooping the Colour 2023
• One in five British families moving Christmas dinner to watch King’s speech

The Independent will cover King Charles’s words on the day and bring you the very latest updates and analysis.

Precisely what he will say, in what will be only his second televised address to the nation as monarch, is not known, although it is widely expected that he will pay tribute to his late mother, who used what proved to be her final Christmas speech last year to remember her beloved late husband Prince Philip , who died on 9 April 2021.

“I’m quite sure he’ll spend as much time talking about his mother as he does about everything else,” historian Jeremy Archer told OK! magazine .

“He’ll talk about how positive she was and how inclusive she was. It will be solemn and reflective, but it will show gratitude for her reign, her life and all the things she’s achieved.”

The celebrations marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine , the cost of living crisis and a turbulent year for Westminster that brought three prime ministers and four chancellors could also provide fruitful topics for his remarks.

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King Charles Says the Christmas Story Reminds Us of the Importance of Protecting the Earth

The King delivered his second Christmas Broadcast from the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, with the Palace balcony in the background.

King Charles has long advocated for the importance of protecting our planet. And today, he used his second Christmas speech as monarch to point out that the message of living in harmony with nature and protecting the Earth can also be found in the Christmas story.

“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share,” the King said during his speech. “I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.”

Produced by ITV, the King's broadcast also featured footage of members of the royal family carrying out official engagements and making public appearances throughout the year. Included in the footage were Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shown volunteering at a Scout hut with their parents in May and attending Kate’s Westminster Abbey carol service in December .

The King’s Coronation was mentioned in the broadcast, although only briefly, with the King saying, “My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”

Instead of focusing on his Coronation , Charles chose to emphasize the themes of faith and service. “Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely,” he said. “However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.”

The final image of the broadcast was the King giving a final wave to the public from the Palace balcony after the Coronation.

Read the King’s 2023 Christmas Broadcast in full:

Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal. A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness. For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts. For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents.

It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day. This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as they waited for Jesus to be born.

Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another—going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.

My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.

Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story—the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.

Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely. However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.

During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share. I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas Story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night...

And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘do to others as you would have them do to you.’ Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors, and to seek their good as we would our own.

So on this Christmas Day my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of ‘peace on Earth and goodwill to all’, today and always.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

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What time is the King's speech on Christmas Day and what channel is it on?

The first festive message of his reign

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Wondering what time the King's speech is on during Christmas Day? We've shared all the need to know details on how to watch.

Tinsel, turkey and all the trimmings - some things are synonymous with Christmas Day, and the annual monarch's speech is one of them. For the last 70 years, Brits and those across the Commonwealth have enjoyed a festive address from her late Majesty. But Christmas 2022 brings with it big change following the death of Queen Elizabeth II .

Now in the new Carolean era , audiences are getting ready to watch King Charles I's Christmas Day message - the first of his reign. For many households this will be a highlight of the Christmas TV schedule , so here's the details on time, channel and where this year's message is filmed.

What time is the King's Speech on Christmas Day?

As is tradition, this year's King's Speech will be broadcast at 3pm GMT on Christmas Day. 2022 marks King Charles' first Christmas Day message and the first address from a King in over 70 years.

The monarch's message to the nation has been televised since 1957, with Queen Elizabeth II recording 69 during her reign. The speech is not live, having instead been pre-recorded by the monarch a few days prior.

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) A photo posted by on

Several media outlets have claimed that King Charles filmed his speech on December 13. Buckingham Palace have since confirmed that the King recorded his message in the Quire of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle . He's seen standing next to a Christmas tree which is decorated with sustainable ornaments made of paper, glass and pine cones. 

The chapel is also festively decorated in English foliage such as holly, berried ivy and red skimmia.

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The filming location of Christmas speeches has varied over the years. Some have been previously recorded at Buckingham Palace, seeing as it's the primary residence of the British monarch. Sandringham in Norfolk - where the royals often spend Christmas - has also paid host to previous Christmas speeches. Sandringham is also where King Charles' great-great grandfather George V delivered the first ever Christmas speech to the nation - via radio in 1932.

The Queen's last Christmas Day message - which aired in 2021 - was also filmed from Windsor Castle. Sat behind a desk in the White Drawing Room, the Queen paid tribute to the late Prince Philip in her address, reflecting on Christmas being a difficult time for those who are missing loved ones.

What channel will the King's Speech be on?

This year the King's Speech will be available to watch on four channels: BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1 and Sky One . Starting at 3pm, the address to the nation will last approximately 10 minutes.

Since 1997, the monarch's speech has been shown by all three broadcasters - who take it in turn to record the message. They work on a rota-based system which changes every two years. The edited footage is then shared with the rest of the world's media so they too can broadcast it in other territories on Christmas Day.

What will the King's speech be about?

Buckingham Palace never reveal the contents of the Queen or King's speech in advance of the broadcast. However, it's thought that this year's address will almost certainly pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8, 2022.

After his speech, the broadcast will follow with a Christmas carol and the National Anthem performed by the St George's Chapel choir.

Jeremy Archer , author of A Royal Christmas agrees, sharing his thoughts with OK! magazine on how Charles will honour his late mother. "He’ll talk about how positive she was and how inclusive she was," he says. "It will be solemn and reflective, but it will show gratitude for her reign, her life and all the things she’s achieved."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams agrees that The Queen will be at the heart of Charles' Christmas Day message. He told The National News : "I think it will be a very professional job, especially since he is well aware he will be the subject of such fascination. It is the first one. 

"In a year that will obviously see the queen’s death and the magnificent funeral at the centre of the speech, there is no doubt he will pay a very moving tribute to her."

Ingrid Seward , editor of Majesty magazine is expecting a picth-perfect performance from the monarch in his first Christmas Day address. "Over many years of public speaking the king has acquired the delivery of a professional actor and I have no doubt it will be a masterly performance," she wrote in the latest issue of Majesty .

Who writes the King's speech?

King Charles I is expected to write his own speech shared at Christmas - much like his late mother. Queen Elizabeth II was known for writing her own festive message with support from her advisors.

The first royal message was 251 words long, though Queen Elizabeth II's speeches were lengthier - averaging 656 words. After the Christmas message has been broadcast, the full transcript of the speech is then available to read on the official Royal Family website .

The UK and Commonwealth have only witnessed one address from King Charles I since taking to the throne. Airing on September 9, 2022 - the day after Queen Elizabeth II died - Charles addressed the nation as the new monarch, sharing in their grief at the Queen's passing.

He concluded his speech: "And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.

"Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’."

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King’s Speech 2023: What time is it on Christmas day and how to watch

The royal tradition allows the sovereign head of state to reflect on the year and values of the nation in a ten minute pre-recorded speech

• 10:12, 24 Dec 2023

King Charles ' second Christmas Day speech as monarch is nearly upon us. Royal fans and critics alike are waiting to hear how he will reflect on the year which has passed.

Last year, it was King Charles' first King's Christmas Day speech in nearly seventy years, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II . He said: "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."

Ever since the first festive address of this kind was delivered in 1932, the annual tradition has become a key event for families across the country, who gather together to remind themselves of what has come and what to look forward to in the next year.

Here's what you can expect from the 2023 speech, plus how and where to watch it.

What time is the King's speech?

King Charles' festive broadcast is set to air on Monday, December 25.

The speech is due to be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day in keeping with tradition.

It will be shown on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV , and Sky News. On BBC One, the broadcast will be followed by a screening of Toy Story 4. Meanwhile, In For a Christmas Penny will follow the broadcast on ITV.

For those looking to watch online, the Christmas Address has also been streamed on the Royal Family YouTube Channel and Facebook page in the past.

What to expect

The contents of the King's Speech aren't known yet and won't be revealed until broadcast. However, the Christmas address typically reflects on the events of the year.

It's expected that King Charles III will speak about his coronation, alongside the issues affecting the UK and broader global events, before looking ahead to 2024.

How many people will watch the King's speech?

Millions of Brits are expected to watch the King's speech on Christmas Day. Last year, King Charles’s Christmas Day message was the most watched address by a monarch on record, viewing figures have shown.

Around 10.6 million tuned in for the eight-minute briefing. Back in 2020, the Queen's speech was crowned the most viewed programme of the day after 8.2 million people turned in. Meanwhile, the 2021 version brought in a staggering 9.1 million viewers - again securing the top spot.

What will be different this year?

This year's message from King Charles will reflect his green credential by including a living Christmas tree for the first time.

It was covered with “natural and sustainable decorations, including hand turned wood, dried oranges, brown glass, pine cones and paper” and it will be replanted.

There were no clues to content of Charles second Christmas address, recorded in the Palace’s Centre Room, part of the private quarters and near the balcony where he celebrated his Coronation.

Charles, 75, is said to have written the 10-minute speech without the help of his advisers.

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King Charles Continues Royal Tradition with His Second Christmas Speech — Here's What He Said

The King encouraged service as he acknowledged that it is a "time of real hardship for many" during the holiday broadcast

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool /Getty

King Charles  is at the center of a royal holiday tradition for the second time.

Continuing the tradition of the British monarch giving a speech that is broadcast on Christmas Day, King Charles' pre-recorded address was shown at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. This year, the King delivered the message from Buckingham Palace.

King Charles, 75, centered his speech on service to others as he acknowledged that it is a difficult time for many families.

"Over this past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another — going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities," he said. "My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people — volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction — were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all. Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story — the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves."

The monarch continued, "Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves."

King Charles also mentioned it is a time of "increasingly tragic conflict around the world."

"I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other," he said. "The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of 5 religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors, and to seek their good as we would our own."

King Charles concluded, "So on this Christmas Day my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of peace on Earth and good will to all, today and always."

For the first time this year , King Charles delivered his remarks beside a living tree, marking his ongoing environmental efforts. According to Buckingham Palace, the Christmas tree is decorated with "natural and sustainable decorations," with some highlights including hand-turned wood, pinecones, brown glass, dried oranges and paper. It will be replanted.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

The tradition of the monarch's Christmas message was started by King Charles' great-grandfather King George V in 1932. While the speech was first broadcast over radio, Queen Elizabeth  appeared in the first televised broadcast in 1957. "She was a one-take wonder — she was extraordinary," said a former palace staffer.

For many Britains (including the royal family!), it is a staple of their holiday to gather around the TV to watch the speech.

However, the annual broadcast did not take place in 1936 (when King Edward VIII abdicated), 1938 (when King George VI did not give an address) and 1969 (when Queen Elizabeth opted for a written message instead after feeling that between Charles' investiture as the Prince of Wales and the documentary Royal Family , there had been enough television appearances for one year).

King Charles gave his first Christmas address last year just months after the death of his mother, and much of his speech centered around Queen Elizabeth's memory.

"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," the King said in the 2022 speech. "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."

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King Charles continued his speech, "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. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them. This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society."

He then praised the "selfless dedication" of those in the armed forces, emergency personnel, healthcare workers and public services professionals such as teachers.

"I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all — their time — to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organizations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances," he said.

On Monday, King Charles and  Queen Camilla  led the royal family in their annual tradition of going to church on Christmas Day. They attended the service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk, near the royal residence of Sandringham .

The British royals traditionally gather at Sandringham each Christmas. On December 24, they have afternoon tea before exchanging inexpensive gag gifts . After their church outing on Christmas, they head back to Sandringham House for a traditional feast of turkey before watching the monarch's Christmas speech broadcast on TV.

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King Charles Delivers Easter Message in First Public Address Since Kate Middleton's News

K ing Charles III told the nation in a pre-recorded message released on Maundy Thursday, ahead of Easter Sunday, that we “need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”

Audio of His Majesty’s message was broadcast at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, where his wife Queen Camilla was presiding in his stead over the annual Royal Maundy service , during which the sovereign or their deputy hands out money to local people honored for their community contributions.

The King, who announced in February he had been diagnosed with cancer and has stepped back from public-facing duties while he’s undergoing treatment, said in his message that it was “a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.” He read a passage from the Bible about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and said “in doing so, he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other.”

“In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare, but over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” the King said.

The King expressed that the 150 Maundy money recipients are “wonderful examples of such kindness, of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.”

King Charles added that Thursday’s act of worship reminded him of his pledge at the start of his coronation service “to follow Christ’s example—not to be served but to serve. That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart.”

“It is my special prayer today that our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities. May God bless you all this Easter,” he concluded.

The hopeful holiday message comes at a difficult time for the royal family, as His Majesty and his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, are undergoing cancer treatment . The King announced his diagnosis in February and has withdrawn from public-facing duties, including Thursday’s service, while he receives treatment. However, Buckingham Palace has announced he’s expected to attend the traditional royals’ Easter church service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday.

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King hails care and friendship in times of need in Easter message

• Thursday 28 March 2024 at 1:58pm

The full speech was played in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday at the Royal Maundy service

The King has stressed the importance of acts of friendship “especially in a time of need” in a personal Easter message in the wake of his and the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis.

Charles’ pre-recorded audio – his first public words since Kate revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy – was broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.

He was recorded as saying how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other”, and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.

While the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation’s response to his and Kate’s challenges as they continue treatment for cancer.

The princess released an emotional video message last Frida y revealing she has started a course of preventative chemotherapy.

The Queen stood in for Charles at the Maundy service on Thursday, as ITV News' Royal Editor Chris Ship reports from Worcester

She later was said to be “extremely moved” by the public support following her announcement.

Kate faced mounting online conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and her condition after retreating from public view to recuperate following major abdominal surgery in January.

The King told last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.

The 75-year-old, who only acceded to the throne 18 months ago, will also reamplify his Coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve”.

He has recorded a Bible reading and, in his brief personal message, described the Maundy money recipients as “wonderful examples of such kindness” in “giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities”.

The King has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment and the Queen is deputising for him at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony on Thursday.

Charles was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room as he recorded his message in mid-March.

In front of him was a vase filled with spring flowers and two microphones ready to capture his words.

The King’s message comes as he prepares to attend church on Easter Sunday with Camilla – his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis.

But there will be a reduced number of royals present in order to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.

The Royal Maundy service is a major fixture on the royal calendar and normally the monarch, who is the head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to people recognised for their community service.

The ceremony commemorates Jesus’s Last Supper when he washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility the day before Good Friday.

Today, sovereigns no longer wash the feet of the needy as they did in medieval times but 75 women and 75 men – signifying the King’s age – will be presented with two purses, one red and one white, filled with Maundy money.

The Maundy Money ceremony began in 1662, when Charles II gave out coins.

Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, signalled it would have a small contingent of activists demonstrating in Worcester for the Queen’s visit.

The group said last week on social media: “We’re very sorry to hear about Kate’s cancer diagnosis and wish her a speedy recovery.”

But Graham Smith, chief executive of the group, said on Wednesday: “Unlike royalists, we don’t conflate the family with the institution. It’s the institution we’re protesting against this week.

“This is a campaign about principles, politics and reform.”

He added: “Republic’s campaign continues unabated and the protests will continue for as long as the monarchy is there.”

This is the Royal Rota - our weekly podcast about the royal family, with ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson

King Charles stresses importance of friendship 'in a time of need' after Princess Kate cancer diagnosis

LONDON — King Charles III delivered an Easter message Thursday stressing the importance of friendship, “especially in a time of need” — his first public remarks since Kate, the Princess of Wales , revealed she had become the second senior royal to be diagnosed with cancer .

The pre-recorded audio message comes ahead of the king’s attend ance at a service on Easter Sunday , in what will be his most significant public appearance since his own cancer diagnosis in February.

Charles, 75, was heard at a traditional Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, near Birmingham in the West Midlands, some 130 miles northwest of London.

He spoke of how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other,” and how “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” according to the Press Association, a British news agency that typically reports royal announcements.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Wednesday that the king will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle — one of the most important spiritual events in the royal calendar.

The king did not address his daughter-in-law’s health directly or name her in his brief personal message on Thursday. But royal watchers may interpret his words in the context of the ongoing family health crisis.

He also delivered a Bible reading.

The king did not appear in person at Thursday’s event — instead Queen Camilla deputized for him. Charles has stepped back from public engagements on medical advice.

The king’s public relations team also released a new picture of the monarch sitting at a desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room, apparently recording his address into a microphone.

Charles has spoken of how touched he is by the outpouring of messages and cards from well-wishers from across the United Kingdom and beyond as he undergoes treatment for cancer, the exact type and stage of which the palace has not disclosed.

The king released a statement after Kate revealed her diagnosis last Friday, saying that he had become closer to his daughter-in-law through their shared hospital stays.

The king was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” the statement said.

The Royal Maundy service is part of the king’s role as the head of the Anglican Church. The monarch hands out specially made coins in white and red purses to 75 men and 75 women to reward them for good deeds such as charity work, a reference to the king’s age. Camilla performed that role on Thursday.

The event symbolizes the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of disciples the day before Good Friday. The custom dates back to 600 A.D. and the coins have been in use since 1662, when Charles II distributed Maundy money.

Charles attended last year’s service at York Minster, following a tradition set by Queen Elizabeth II to hold it in different places across the U.K., not just in London.

The king continues to work behind the scenes while receiving treatment for cancer. On Tuesday, he met community and faith leaders from the Windsor Leadership charity at Buckingham Palace, and he continues to hold a weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, albeit on at least one occasion by phone .

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

• Donald J. Trump
• sales pitch
• Christianity

Middle East latest: Israel admits 'mistake' - as tributes paid around the world for 'hero' aid workers killed in strike

Israel's military chief has said the bombing of a World Central Kitchen convoy, in which seven aid workers including three Britons were killed, was "a mistake that followed misidentification". Some of Israel's closest allies have condemned the strike.

Wednesday 3 April 2024 11:18, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Charity names aid workers killed in Israeli airstrike - including three Britons
• Strike was 'a mistake that followed misidentification', Israel admits
• Israel's closest allies condemn killings
• Two charities pause aid to starving Gaza
• Alistair Bunkall: Israel's admission will not stop foreign leaders demanding answers
• Podcast: Will volunteers leave Gaza after aid deaths
• Watch: Evidence suggests three separate strikes
• US officials 'watching closely' for signs of Iranian retaliation
• Live reporting by Sharon Marris

Lord Cameron has spoken briefly about the situation in Gaza as he arrived at a NATO summit in Brussels.

The foreign secretary said he spoke to Israel's foreign minister yesterday after the death of aid workers in an airstrike.

He said he "welcomed" Israeli promises of a "full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen".

"We want to see that happen very, very quickly," he added.

He also welcomed the Israeli foreign minister's promise of more aid being allowed into Gaza, which has been on the brink of famine for many weeks.

An increase in aid was "essential", Lord Cameron said, adding: "We have been promised these things before and this really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points".

Britain "will be watching very closely to make sure" that there is "proper deconfliction", he said, speaking about coordination and information sharing between the Israeli military and aid groups allowing the latter to go about their work as safely as possible.

Israel has promised a thorough, independent investigation into the strike that killed the seven aid workers but its credibility will lie in its transparency, says our  Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall .

The investigation will be carried out by "an offshoot independent arm" to which the IDF refers instances needing investigation.

"It's within Israel and I think, for that reason, there will be a lot of people who just don't believe it."

He adds: "Its credibility will probably lie in its transparency and what action is taken, and we'll see whether or not foreign governments have faith and trust in it, regardless of whether members of the public do."

But Bunkall says the "best gauge" of the investigation's credibility is how aid organisations react and whether they "have trust that things will have changed to allow them to go about their roles with some degree of safety.

"I say 'some degree' because it is a war zone and they are nasty places, but events like this shouldn't happen.

"Mistakes such as this should not happen, and it is in Israel's interests that aid organisations like World Central Kitchen and others continue to operate in Gaza and to deliver aid where it's most needed."

The family of James Kirby, one of the three Britons killed in the Israeli air strike on aid workers in Gaza, have described him as a "genuine gentleman".

"Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero," they told the BBC.

"James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

"Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need."

Mr Kirby's family said they were "incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved".

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kirby, 47,  was a former member of the British Armed Forces - The Times said he was also believed to have been in Britain's special forces, while the Telegraph reported he was a former Army rifleman and sniper marksman.

He described himself as someone who "maintains a calm demeanour under extreme pressure, including life-threatening situations" and said he was "experienced in working in varied theatres across the globe, both on land and at sea, including hostile and austere locations".

The aid workers killed in yesterday's Israeli strike were three Britons, a Pole, an Australian, a Canadian-US dual national and a Palestinian.

The three Britons - John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby - were military veterans providing security for the World Central Kitchen aid mission.

Mr Chapman and Mr Kirby were former Royal Marines and Mr Henderson was an army veteran.

They worked as private security contractors for UK-based firm Solace Global.

Mr Chapman, 57, was a married father of two who had only been in Gaza a few weeks, The Sun reported. There were no further details on Mr Kirby or Mr Henderson.

The families and friends of some of the other victims have been speaking to various news outlets around the world. Here is some of what they have said.

Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, 43, was the Australian killed in the strike.

She was born in Melbourne and worked for eight years at an Australian bank before moving into aid work with World Central Kitchen five years ago.

Her social media showed visits to help people in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Romania and Haiti.

One of her World Central Kitchen colleagues, Dora Weekly, remembered her being invited to walk a Hollywood red carpet for a documentary about the charity that had been nominated for an Emmy.

"I remember getting a picture of her in a dress, saying: 'Hold on to this forever'," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"'Because usually I'm in sweats and runners, and I'm in Pakistan or Afghanistan' or, you know, she could be anywhere, and never with her hair done or makeup done.

"She worked all hours, she gave everything, and she believed in helping people who were less fortunate."

Damian Sobol was the 36-year-old Pole who died.

He had studied hospitality in the Polish city of Przemysl and had been on aid missions in Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey and - for the past six months - Gaza.

Marta Wilczynska, of the Free Place Foundation, which cooperates with World Central Kitchen, described him as a "really extraordinary guy".

Ms Wilczynska met Mr Sobol on the Polish side of the Ukrainian border just after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

She said he spoke English well, was a translator and a skilled manager who could organise work in any conditions.

"Always smiling, always so helpful, he loved this job. I felt I had a brother in him," she added.

Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 27, was Palestinian and had worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver and translator since the beginning of the year, relatives said.

He had been a successful businessman who had conducted trades with Ukraine, Egypt, China and others, his brother Abdul Razzaq Abu Taha said.

His work made him known on the Israeli side, which helped in coordination and approval to assist the World Central Kitchen team in unloading the ship.

Mr Abu Taha had hoped to get married and his mother was looking for a wife for him, his brother said, adding: "He was supposed to get married if the war didn't happen."

Abdul said he had received a final call from Saifeddin just after the aid crew had unloaded their food in Gaza, telling him they had finished the job and he was heading home.

After the strike, Abdul had tried to call his brother but a stranger had picked up the phone, saying: "I found this phone about 200 metres away from the car. All of the people inside are killed."

Israel's military chief has said the strike that killed seven aid workers yesterday was "a mistake that followed misidentification" in complex conditions.

Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi was announcing preliminary findings in Israel's investigation into the strike.

He said: "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification - at night during a war in very complex conditions.

"It shouldn't have happened."

He said an independent body would conduct a "thorough investigation" that would be completed in the coming days, and said the army appreciates the "important work" of the World Central Kitchen.

The conclusions of the investigation will be implemented immediately and shared with WCK and other relevant organisations, he added.

"We see great importance in the continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and we will keep working to facilitate this vital effort," he said.

Yesterday, World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated with the Israeli military over the movement of its cars.

But three vehicles moving large distances apart were hit in succession and all three were badly damaged, indicating multiple targeted strikes.

Photos from the scene of the attack showed at least one of the vehicles had the charity's logo on its roof.

Poland's prime minister has said the attack that killed seven aid workers has put his country's solidarity with Israel to the test.

Israel has said the attack - which killed a Polish national, along with others including three Britons - was "unintended" but a number of its allies have voiced anger in response.

Donald Tusk's message on X was addressed to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israel's ambassador to Poland, Yacov Livne.

He said "the vast majority of Poles showed full solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack".

"Today you are putting this solidarity to a really hard test.

"The tragic attack on volunteers and your reaction arouse understandable anger."

A Palestinian from northern Israel injured four police officers in a car-ramming attack and tried to stab security personnel at a checkpoint overnight, Israeli police have said.

The police officers were lightly wounded.

The 26-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel was killed by police.

Palestinians are about 20% of Israel's population - they have citizenship and the right to vote but are widely discriminated against.

NHS staff are blockading the entrance to NHS England's headquarters in central London today, calling for the organisation's contract with Palantir to be cancelled.

Palantir was awarded a £330m contract late last year to create a new data management system, leading to privacy concerns around patients' medical details.

Campaigners say Palantir supplies technology to Israel's military and, earlier this month, NBC reported the company's chief executive Alex Karp as saying he had lost employees over his public support for Israel.

Mr Karp was quoted as saying that he was "exceedingly proud that after 7 October, within weeks, we are on the ground and we are involved in operationally crucial operations in Israel".

Palantir held its first board meeting of the year in Israel in January and, soon afterwards, it agreed to a "strategic partnership" with the Israeli Ministry of Defence to supply technology for the country's military efforts.

US officials have said they are watching closely to see if, as in the past, Iran-backed proxies attack US troops in the Middle East following an Israeli strike that Iran says hit its embassy compound.

Hossein Akbari, Tehran's ambassador to Damascus, promised the Iranian response to Sunday's strike - which Israel denies hit an embassy building - would be "harsh".

Two Iranian generals and five military advisers were killed.

US officials told Reuters they had not yet picked up intelligence suggesting Iran-backed groups were looking to attack US troops.

US deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood warned Tehran yesterday: "We will not hesitate to defend our personnel and repeat our prior warnings to Iran and its proxies not to take advantage of the situation... to resume their attacks on US personnel."

One source said Iran faced the conundrum of wanting to respond to deter further strikes while avoiding an all-out war. 

"They are trying to modulate their actions in a way that shows that they are responsive but not escalatory.

"If they don't respond in this case, it really would be a signal that their deterrence is a paper tiger."

The official said given the significance of the Israeli strike, Iran may be forced to respond by attacking Israeli interests rather than going after US troops.

Some of Israel's closest allies have condemned the deaths of seven aid worker killed by airstrikes in Gaza on Monday.

Three Britons were among the World Central Kitchen volunteers, alongside Polish and Australia nationals, a Canadian-American dual national and a Palestinian. 

Canada and other nations' embassies will present a joint formal diplomatic rebuke to the Israeli foreign ministry over the killings, a senior Canadian government official said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "outraged" by the tragedy and expressed his "anger and concern" to Benjamin Netanyahu.

This comes after Rishi Sunak told the Israeli prime minister he was "appalled" by the attack and demanded a transparent investigation. 

The seven deaths were "the inevitable result of the way this war is currently being conducted" and demonstrated "a disregard for international humanitarian law", said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Joe Biden said the deaths were tragic and Israel was not doing enough to protect civilians.

"The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations," he said.

Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, said the strike was "a mistake that followed a misidentification – at night during a war in very complex conditions", while Mr Netanyahu admitted it was an "unintended strike... on innocent people".

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