King Charles films Christmas message away from royal residence for second year in a row

The decision to film the address at the Abbey reflects a central theme of this year’s message: pilgrimage.

Westminster Abbey remains one of the country’s most significant places of pilgrimage, attracting visitors from across the world who come to reflect on faith, history and national identity.

Pilgrims visit the Abbey each year to remember the life and legacy of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine lies at the heart of the church.

The Abbey’s long association with monarchy, faith and national life has made it a focal point for royal ceremonies for nearly a thousand years.

This is the second consecutive year King Charles has recorded his Christmas message away from a royal home.

Last year’s broadcast was filmed at the Fitzrovia Chapel in Pearson Square, London, departing from the long-standing tradition of messages being recorded at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Sandringham.

A still image released via the Press Association shows the King standing inside the Lady Chapel, flanked by illuminated Christmas trees, with the Abbey’s historic architecture visible behind him.

The Henry VII Lady Chapel, where the message was filmed, is one of the most historically significant spaces within Westminster Abbey.

It serves as the burial place of 15 Kings and Queens, including Elizabeth I, Mary I and Mary Queen of Scots.

Beneath the central aisle lies the Hanoverian vault, where George II and members of his family are buried.

The Stuart vault, located in the south aisle, contains the remains of Charles II, William III, Mary II and Queen Anne.

Around the walls of the chapel stand 95 statues of saints, dating back to the chapel’s construction in the 16th century.

Beneath the hinged seats of the wooden choir stalls are intricately carved misericords, designed to provide support for clergy during long services.

At the east end of the chapel is the Royal Air Force Chapel, which includes a stained-glass window by artist Hugh Easton.

The window depicts the badges of the fighter squadrons involved in the Battle of Britain in 1940, reflecting the Abbey’s role as a place of remembrance as well as worship.

Westminster Abbey has long been intertwined with the monarchy, hosting Coronations, royal weddings and funerals.

The setting underscores the King’s ongoing emphasis on faith, service and continuity during his reign.

Further details of the King’s Christmas message are expected to be released in due course. The full broadcast will air on Christmas Day, produced by the BBC.