In a royal tradition dating back to the 1930s, the British monarch delivers an annual Christmas Day message to the nation. This year, however, King Charles III added a unique and sustainable twist to this time-honored broadcast. Let’s take a look.
A Living Tree
The star of the night was the living tree: a symbol of King Charles’ commitment to environmental stewardship. According to Buckingham Palace, it was also decorated with hand-turned wood, pinecones, brown glass, dried oranges, and paper. And after the broadcast, the tree is set to be replanted instead of tossed. This choice reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and nature conservation, themes that have been central to King Charles’ public life and personal advocacy.
Royal History
In addition to the living tree, the Christmas broadcast featured a historical artifact from the royal collection: a potpourri bowl believed to have been acquired by George IV. This inclusion is a subtle reminder of the monarchy’s long and storied history.
The Message
King Charles’ first Christmas address took place last year, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This year’s address continued in a personal and reflective vein. But it also looked forward with hope and a call for action, particularly concerning the environment.
