The King's Christmas message is a chance for the monarch to bring the country together in troubling times. The cost of living crisis shows little sign of easing, the Israel-Hamas conflict has deepened divides, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine still rages on.
Significantly, His Majesty started his Christmas message by talking about "the act of sharing food". This year, King Charles launched the Coronation Food Project, which seeks to bridge the gap between food waste and food needs across the United Kingdom.
It is understood His Majesty has a deep passion for helping the 14 million people across the country facing food insecurity and, last year, made a personal donation to a £1million fund for 800 commercial fridges and freezers to save, store and redistribute more leftover food to those who need it.
During his Christmas message, the King used the opportunity to refer to the "care and compassion we show to others" and said his "heart has been warmed" by citizens going the extra mile to help those less fortunate.
King Charles is hugely supportive of other faiths
PA
It appears King Charles wanted 'service to others' to be a significant theme, which he grounded in a strong Christian message, as many families struggle to pay their bills. As head of the Church of England, His Majesty predictably focused extensively on the true meaning of Christmas.
His Majesty said: "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 neighbour as ourselves."
2023 was the year of King Charles' coronation so, as expected, he reflected on the monumental event. But instead of focusing on the pomp, pageantry and historical significance, he chose to spotlight the "volunteers who serve their communities", describing them as the "essential backbone of our society".
Community and charity champions partly made up the Westminster Abbey congregation, as well as an additional 400 young people representing charities nominated by The King, The Queen and the UK Government who watched the Coronation next door to the Abbey, inside St Margaret's Church.
King Charles meeting Pope Benedict with Queen Camilla in 2009PAHis Majesty said their presence "meant so much" to him and the Queen, explaining it emphasised the meaning of the coronation itself - "all of us to serve one another".
The King knows modern Britain is multicultural and, throughout his life, His Majesty has taken a keen interest in interfaith harmony.
This was also reflected in this year's coronation which, at its heart, is a Christian service; King Charles invited a number of different faith leaders to take part. In his Christmas message, King Charles spoke of service to others "honouring the whole of creation" as a "belief shared by all religions".
"To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and none".
King Charles is the leader of the Church of England
PAHis Majesty proves he is not just being "defender of the faith", but rather a "defender of all faiths". The King has been an environmental champion for more than half a century so, perhaps, it was inevitable he used his Christmas message to talk about caring for the planet.
He said: "We care for the earth for the sake of our children's children" and took pride in the "growing awareness" of the issue.
That message of hope was carefully linked back to the Christmas story; suggesting the shepherds were blessed by a visit from the Angel Gabriel by caring for their sheep and the lambs.
The King explained: "These were people who lived simply amongst others of God's creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night."
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As Prince of Wales, King Charles was known for his passionate environmental speeches - sometimes leaving him open to criticism.
Caring for the planet was only briefly mentioned in The King's Christmas message, however. Perhaps His Majesty knows the importance of striking the right tone through careful consideration, now he is the monarch.
Many believe King Charles' 2023 has been a successful year - a Coronation and several State Visits are arguably the biggest tests. But the honeymoon period for King Charles III is now over, and it is thought Palace staff will be busy in the New Year as they attempt to navigate royal tours to other realms where republican rumblings grow louder.
