ONE of the highlights for many households on Christmas Day is tuning into the moving King’s Speech.
Last year marked the first from King Charles following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, just three months earlier – and it broke records.
Over 10.7 million people tuned in to The King’s Speech on December 25, which was a figure higher than any other Royal festive message in the 21st century so far.
While Charles paid tribute to his mother’s long reign and addressed the “great hardship” amidst a cost of living crisis, this year is set to “call for peace and unity.”
But what goes into the writing of the King’s Speech and what is this year’s poignant message likely to cover?
Royal expert Jennie Bond shared behind-the-scenes of the annual speech and what we can expect…
Jennie says that whilst she strongly believes the monarch will steer clear of anything too political, she does think he’ll use his speech to show support and encouragement to those in need.
She predicted: “Charles will see the speech as an opportunity to invite us in and offer some hope or encouragement.
“His King’s Trust seeks to help young people who are disadvantaged and it’s a cause close to Charles’ heart.
“He is aware of the privilege the royals have and he will use his speech to discuss the many challenges facing our nation.
“He’ll probably offer his thanks and appreciation for our key workers and NHS staff, especially after the visits he has paid this year to hospitals and health care centres.”
In light of the unrest in the middle east, Jennie adds that Charles will also strive to spread a message of kindness and unity.
She added: “The underlying message will be harmony and peace in a troubled world. He will no doubt choose his words carefully, as it is a sensitive issue.
“Rather than express something that could be deemed too political, he will simply call for peace and unity.”
The King has suffered a fractious relationship with son Harry in recent years.
Most recently, it was reported that Harry had attempted to ease the tension by calling Charles alongside Meghan on his 75th birthday to wish him well.
But Jennie insists that any offers of an olive branch will be done in private and not through a televised speech.
She said: “Charles wouldn’t address the challenges with Harry on TV. I doubt he’ll mention Harry at all.
“I don’t think he’ll mention William either, as he knows that will be seen as a dig to Harry.”
Last year the King’s Speech lasted ten minutes, which gave ample opportunity to take in the lavish backdrop behind Charles.
Jennie insists that every detail will be analysed in the background to avoid any controversy.
She explained: “Some people may be looking at the family photos that surround Charles to see if he’s excluded Harry and Meghan or placed them behind Kate and William.
“But I can’t see Charles allowing something like that to happen.
“He doesn’t like the ups and downs of his family playing out in the public eye so he wouldn’t want to stoke the fire.”
After Prince William used his platform this month to discuss the climate crisis, insisting it was now “too visible to ignore”, Jennie says that Charles will use his speech to echo his son’s sentiments.
She adds: “The environment and the issues affecting our planet have been a cause close to Charles’ heart for years.
“He has used his platform continuously to strive for change, whether that be moving towards more sustainable practices or campaigning for better conservation. He will definitely want to address climate change and our need for action.”
Last year, King Charles chose to address the nation within the Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle.
It was a poignant choice, as it was close to where his late mother and father, Prince Philip, were laid to rest and gave him the opportunity to pay tribute.
This year, Jennie predicts the location will be at Clarence House.
“It’s hard to say as they do keep the location of the speech a secret,” Jennie explains. “But I can see Charles sitting at Clarence House by his desk, surrounded by photos of his loved ones.
“Highgrove House, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, is their country residence so he may prefer that setting.
“Although he does strive to keep that home private, so he may not feel as comfortable letting the cameras in.”
While Charles takes great pride in writing his own speeches, Jennie says that he leans on his private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, and wife Camilla for support.
She said: “Charles is a man who loves to write and loves words.
“He will take great pride in writing his speech and it will be 90% his own work. He will of course run things by the private secretary but he will want to feel like the words are his own.
“Some people felt a bit of a distance with the Queen but Charles speaks with a lot of warmth and wisdom.
“He’ll want people to feel seen and understood.”
She adds: “He’ll certainly ask Camilla for her thoughts and may even do a practice run of the speech with her.
“He values her opinion and she has always offered him encouragement and support with his work.”
The monarch’s Christmas Day speech is traditionally broadcast at 3pm and typically lasts for ten minutes.
It is usually available to watch on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV One and Sky One and available to watch later on iPlayer and ITVX.
