King Charles chooses former hospital for Christmas message in poignant break from tradition

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In the year he received his cancer diagnosis, the King has chosen to deliver his traditional Christmas message from a former hospital chapel, marking a major break from tradition.

For the first time in 14 years, the annual address to the nation has not been filmed on the royal estate. Instead, Charles has chosen Fitzrovia Chapel – a former hospital chapel – to film his speech, which is expected to focus on the efforts of healthcare workers.

It has been a particularly difficult year for the royal family, as both the King and the Princess of Wales received cancer diagnoses at the start of 2024.

The Fitzrovia Chapel is located at Pearson Square, London W1 (Colin/Wikimedia Commons)

Kate has been largely removed from the public eye since January, though she announced in a heartfelt video in September that she had completed her treatment.

Meanwhile, the King is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer – and is thought to be continuing it into the new year.

Charles smiles during his Christmas message at the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London (AFP/Getty)

Fitzrovia Chapel was the former sacred space of the demolished Middlesex Hospital where Diana, Princess of Wales opened London’s first dedicated Aids ward.

Carla Whalen, chair of the Fitzrovia Chapel Foundation’s board of trustees, said about the filming: “I assume that this space being one of calm reflection, but also thinking about health, about care, about the medical profession, would make it a pretty apt choice.”

Featuring a golden mosaic ceiling, the ornately decorated building was built in the courtyard of what was the hospital and was retained when the hospital was demolished.

The chapel sits at the heart of the former Middlesex Hospital tucked away in London’s West End in Pearson Square (Brian Anthony/Alamy/PA)

Its first service was held on Christmas Day in 1891 but it is no longer used regularly for services. It was renovated and reopened in 2016 and is mostly used for community events and exhibitions.

Recorded earlier this month, the Christmas speech is the third Charles has delivered since he took the throne. Last year, he spoke of his personal interests including environmental issues.

The tradition of a Christmas Day speech dates back to 1932 when George V addressed the nation, with Queen Elizabeth II delivering the first televised version in 1957.

The last time it was not filmed at a royal residence was in 2010, when the late Queen spoke at Hampton Court Palace.

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