King Charles has pre-recorded his Christmas speech at a special location (Image: Getty Images)
has decided not to film this year’s Christmas message at a royal estate in a major break from tradition.
The 76-year-old monarch recorded his speech at the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in Pearson Square, central London, almost two weeks ago, according to the .
The choice of venue appears to display two very poignant meanings, one to his deeply held Christian beliefs and the other to the health struggles he and others have faced this year.
It is understood that this year, the King will choose to reflect on international, national and personal challenges and how they can be overcome by communities supporting one another.
The Princess of Wales chose a similar theme for her Christmas carol concert, which focused on themes of kindness, love, empathy and being there for each other through tough times.
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Fitzrovia Chapel is a central London church (Image: Getty)
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The King is expected to use his Christmas message, which will be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, to reflect on an extraordinary year which saw him and his daughter-in-law Kate diagnosed with cancer in quick succession.
Against the beautiful backdrop of Fitzrovia Chapel, the King will thank the incredible work of the healthcare profession and highlight the value of community, especially in the wake of riots after the Southport stabbings this summer.
It is understood that Charles was keen to film his third Christmas message at an external location, rather than at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in a bid to give it a more modern feel.
The Fitztrovia Chapel, described on its website as “an enchanting jewel of Byzantine inspired architecture, is a simply breathatking venue.
Designed by John Loughborough Pearson, it includes more than 40 types of marble and a golden mosaic ceiling.
The first service was held in the chapel on Christmas Day 1891 and fast became a plan for both staff and patients of the former Middlesex Hospital to reflect and find solace.
It quickly became a meeting point for groups of all faiths within the hospital community, as well as a wedding venue for both medical staff and patients.
The fact that is was a non-denominational chapel is understood to have been a key factor that it was chosen, a reflection of the King’s desire to be a defender of all faiths, not just Christiainty.
The monarch’s Christmas message has been a key fixture in the royal diary since King George V broadcast the first televised address live in 1957.
But it was Queen Elizabeth who turned the moment into a national institution, broadcasting a message for every year of her reign except one.
In 1969 she released a written message in lieu of a broadcast, because a repeat of the special behind-the-scenes documentary ‘Royal Family’ had already been scheduled for the holiday period.
The King’s previous Christmas messages have been filmed at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and at Buckingham Palace.
His late mother typically favoured filming her messages at either Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace of Sandringham.