King Charles attended an Advent service at Westminster Abbey this morning, delivering a moving speech to guests.
The monarch shook hands and engaged with church leaders from across the UK and abroad, including the Most Revd Hosam Noami, the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
In his speech, the King said: "It is a great joy to gather with you in the most glorious setting of Westminster Abbey as we celebrate the light, hope and, above all, the peace of this season of Advent.
"This period is one of preparation, of readying ourselves and looking forward to the wonder of Christ's birth.
The King attended an advent service at Westminster Abbey | PATRENDING
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"Today, we gather for prayer, reflection and music, and to celebrate the good news in which all Christians rejoice: those around us, and those in areas where it is not easy to live out one's faith."
Referencing the other Christian denominations in attendance, his majesty said: "I am so pleased to be joined by church leaders from across the UK and the Middle East, leaders of other faiths, charity representatives, and so many of you who contribute to your communities in myriad ways.
"We come together this morning to lift our voices in that magnificent Advent hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
"The Hebrew word 'Emmanuel' means 'God is with us'. He is with us in our sorrows and in our grief."
Charles delivered a moving speech at the Abbey
|PA
The King met with several individuals from a series of Christian denominations
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Concluding his monologue, the King stated: "As we sing today, we anticipate Christ's coming into our world, in everlasting hope that he will: Dispel the long night's lingering gloom and pierce the shadows of the tomb.
"May I wish you and your families every blessing of peace, joy and love in this holy season."
The service focused on rejoicing with Christian communities worldwide and celebrating their witness to the promise of Jesus Christ in the Advent season.
It included prayers for the coming of Jesus's Kingdom of justice and peace.
The King would traditionally visit communities of Armenian Christians, Greek Orthodox and others in December, when he was the Prince of Wales
|GETTY
The service included prayers for the coming of Jesus's Kingdom of justice and peace
|GETTY
When he was the Prince of Wales, the King would traditionally visit communities of Armenian Christians, Greek Orthodox and others in December to spend time with them ahead of Christmas.
The event at Westminster Abbey comes after Princess Kate's Together at Christmas Carol Service, which was hosted at the venue last week.
The Princess of Wales was joined by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Abbey for the ceremony.
The Westminster Abbey choir performed beloved traditional carols during the heartfelt service.
The Princess of Wales arriving at her annual Together At Christmas Carol Service
| GETTYGuests arriving at the Abbey were greeted by music from eight musicians aged 13 to 18, performing as a specially assembled brass ensemble.
These young players come from Future Talent, a charity established by the late Duchess of Kent to provide opportunities for musically gifted children from low-income households.
Readings exploring themes of love, compassion and connection formed a central part of the proceedings.
The Prince of Wales himself delivered one of the poignant readings during the service.
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