Royal Family at Sandringham live: Charles delivers Christmas message after joining Kate and William at Sandringham

The Christmas broadcast was written by King and had a strong Christian element, a reflection of the head of state who described himself as a “firm Anglican Christian” during a reception for faith leaders after Queen Elizabeth's death.

For the second year in a row, the monarch acknowledged other religions, describing how the “great religions of the world” celebrate festivals with a special meal and that caring for the natural world is the responsibility of “all religions and none”. .

King Charles, who launched his Coronation Meals program in November to support charities that feed the disadvantaged, said: “We need to find ways to support those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Speaking at the memorial to Queen Victoria, Charles said: “Over the past year, my heart has been warmed by the countless inspiring examples of people caring for each other – going the extra mile to help those around them. They know it's the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.

“My wife and I were delighted that hundreds of representatives of that army of selfless people – volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and so many different ways – joined us at the Coronation in Westminster Abbey earlier this year. They are the essential backbone of our society.

The King called on people to “protect each other” as he said in his Christmas broadcast that the world was living in a time of increasingly tragic conflict.

Charles delivered his festive speech – the second of his reign following the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – standing up in the central room of Buckingham Palace, which opened onto a famous balcony overlooking The Mall.

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Charles delivered the second Christmas speech of his reign as king, and it's notable what – and who – it left out. Myra Butt reports.

While his mother Queen Elizabeth II traditionally opted for a family-focused speech with images of her children and relatives, the monarch's speech left no mention of her loved ones.

However, there was a brief glimpse of Prince William and Kate.

The Royal Family marked Christmas Day by attending a traditional festive church service at the King's Sandringham Gardens.

Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand-in-hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from their Sandringham home to St Mary Magdalene Church.

They walked behind the King and Queen and were greeted by about a thousand locals, many of whom had waited hours to see the family on Christmas morning.

Most families have their beloved Christmas traditions. Maybe it's playing an endless game of Monopoly, wearing pajamas all day, or falling asleep to grunts. EastEnders Christmas special. Whatever your heritage – the royal family has some great traditions of its own. Ellie Muir reports.

Royal Christmases are alive with tradition and custom: morning church visits, roast turkey feasts, walks on Sandringham grounds, and gift-giving with little reference to their German roots.

Queen Elizabeth II has spent every Christmas since 1998 at the family's country estate in Norfolk – and her son Charles will continue the tradition in his first official year as monarch following his coronation in May.

Despite murmurs of a possible reconciliation at Sandringham, it appears Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for their annual Christmas celebrations in Norfolk. Manya Sachdeva reports.

The late Queen Elizabeth II has held every Christmas in the royal garden since 1998, and her son Charles III hopes to continue the same tradition in his first official year as monarch since his coronation in May.

Last month, amid rumors that a reunion between Harry and Charles could be on the horizon, it was reported that the couple would not turn down an invitation to spend Christmas at Sandringham.

Royal Christmas has an established format. To see the royal family come to church is often in the same but different clothes, and to see the children grow up year after year.

It was the second Christmas of the monarch's reign, both celebrated at Sandringham. What's the difference this time? There were touching scenes of the young royals holding hands, and there was a spirit of family harmony in the air.

Princess Beatrice also included her seven-year-old stepson, known as “Wolfi”, the son of her husband Edoardo Mabelli Mozzi. For the second year running, the monarch allowed Prince Andrew to join the family for the service.

Sarah, Duchess of York made a public return to the heart of the Royal Family after joining the King and Queen in church on Christmas Day.

The former royal, who has had a troubled relationship with the monarchy, was pictured, smiling and glancing at the waiting media as she walked alongside her ex-husband, the disgraced Duke of York.

Royal fans spotted the Prince and Princess of Wales walking hand-in-hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church.