King's 2025 Christmas message is filled with kindness, compassion and hope

The building is world famous for its royal history, but it is also a place of Pilgrimage, tracing the life and legacy of Edward the Confessor - the King who re-founded Westminster Abbey in 1065.

Many people around the world visit the shrine of Edward the Confessor each year - the only English King to be a saint.

King Charles made his own pilgrimage this year to the Vatican for a State Visit, where he met Pope Leo during the Papal Jubilee Year - this year's theme was Pilgrims of Hope.

The Christian message was at the heart of His Majesty's broadcast; he is, after all, Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Surrounded by the tombs of several ancestors in the Lady Chapel, King Charles spoke of the Wise Men being pilgrims from the East, visiting the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

His Majesty also emphasised the Christian ethos of helping others in need.

The King emotionally recalled the time he spent with Second World War veterans this summer, commemorating 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day.

His Majesty said: "The courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, and the way communities came together in the face of such great challenge, carry a timeless message for us all."

In contrast, the King warned of "division, both at home and abroad", and was keen to remind the nation about the plight of Ukraine as they continue to defend their nation against Russian aggression.

This year, His Majesty has shown public support for Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, inviting him to Sandringham for tea, shortly after the deeply uncomfortable shouting match in the Oval Office with President Trump.

In perhaps a reminder of the community spirit Britain adopted during the Second World War, The King invited a choir of mostly Ukrainian refugees to sing Carol of the Bells - made famous by the Home Alone films, but composed by a Ukrainian musician.

The Songs of Ukraine Choir was founded in 2023 in response to the war, and many of them fled to Britain from Ukraine to escape the conflict.

The King, I understand, is always keen to show his support for the Ukrainian community, so perhaps the choice of music formed part of that mission.

I understand The King is keen for the country and the Commonwealth to have a bit of a digital detox during the festive season, just weeks after Australia (one of his Realms) banned under-16s from social media platforms.

His Majesty firmly stays above politics, but his spokesperson told me:

"When His Majesty references that lovely phrase about the “still point in the turning world” at a time when, as he puts it, it’s 'spinning ever faster', he has in mind the effect that new technologies can have on society, and how they can impact both on community cohesion and on general well-being, especially for younger people."

"I think His Majesty hopes that, if nothing else, Christmas might afford a moment when people could experiment with something of a ‘digital detox’ to focus more on our friendships, our families and our faith for those who practice. In this way, the King hopes our minds may find greater peace, our souls can renew, and our communities grow stronger."

In a nod to the brutal attacks on the Jewish community by Islamist extremists this year, both in Britain and Australia, His Majesty urged us not to lose sight of community cohesion.

King Charles said: "As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common; a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life. If we can find time in our journey through life to think on these virtues, we can all make the future more hopeful."

Footage of the aftermath of the Bondi Beach and Manchester synagogue massacres was shown during the Christmas Broadcast.

I understand His Majesty sees his role as a bridge between different communities, particularly when it comes to promoting interfaith harmony - something he sees as essential for a more peaceful world.

I suspect we will see a lot more public work on that theme from King Charles in 2026.