Watch in full: Charles delivers 2023 King's Speech from Buckingham Palace Source: ITN
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00:00 [BLANK_AUDIO]
00:10 [MUSIC]
00:20 [MUSIC]
00:45 [MUSIC]
00:55 Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated
01:00 with a special meal, a chance for family and
01:04 friends to come together across generations.
01:07 The act of sharing food, adding to conviviality and togetherness.
01:13 For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts.
01:17 For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents.
01:22 It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and
01:28 think also of those whose work of caring for others continues,
01:33 even on this special day.
01:34 This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of
01:40 the Christmas story, especially when Mary and
01:44 Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers,
01:49 as they waited for Jesus to be born.
01:50 Over this past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples
01:58 of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another.
02:02 Going the extra mile to help those around them,
02:05 simply because they know it is the right thing to do.
02:10 At work and at home, within and across communities.
02:13 My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army
02:20 of people, volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and
02:26 with such distinction, were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for
02:30 the coronation earlier this year.
02:32 They are an essential backbone of our society.
02:38 Their presence meant so much to us both and
02:42 emphasized the meaning of coronation itself.
02:45 Above all, a call to all of us to serve one another, to love and care for all.
02:53 Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story.
02:59 The birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world,
03:03 showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves.
03:08 Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages
03:15 are making a difference to their communities.
03:17 This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for
03:22 many when we need to build on existing ways to support
03:27 others less fortunate than ourselves.
03:30 Because out of God's providence, we are blessed with much and
03:35 it is incumbent on us to use this wisely.
03:38 However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation,
03:46 which after all is a manifestation of the divine.
03:49 This is a belief shared by all religions.
03:55 To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none.
04:01 We care for the earth for the sake of our children's children.
04:07 During my lifetime, I've been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must
04:15 protect the earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share.
04:22 I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this,
04:27 as does the Christmas story,
04:29 which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds.
04:35 These were people who lived simply amongst others of God's creatures.
04:41 Those close to nature were privileged that night.
04:48 And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world,
04:53 I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other.
05:00 The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant.
05:04 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
05:08 Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions
05:16 and other belief systems across the Commonwealth and wider world.
05:20 They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours
05:27 and to seek their good as we would our own.
05:30 So on this Christmas Day, my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another,
05:40 all who are caring for our common home and all who see and seek the good of others,
05:48 not least the friend we do not yet know.
05:51 In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves.
05:56 I wish you a Christmas of peace on earth and goodwill to all, today and always.
06:07 (Organ playing)
06:12 #
06:14 # While shepherds watched their flocks by night #
06:19 # All seated on the grounds #
06:24 # The angel of the Lord came down #
06:29 # And glory shone around #
06:35 # Fear not, said he, for mighty dread #
06:40 # Had seized their troubled mind #
06:45 # That mighty, tall, great joy I bring #
06:51 # To you and all mankind #
06:56 # To you in David's town this day #
07:02 # Is born of David's life #
07:07 # The Saviour who is Christ the Lord #
07:12 # And this shall be the sign #
07:17 (Laughter)
07:19 # The heavenly bank you there shall find #
07:24 # To you and you display #
07:29 # All meekly wrapped in swathing bands #
07:34 # And in a manger laid #
07:38 # All glory be to God our God #
07:45 # And on earth be peace #
07:50 # Goodwill and hope from heaven to men #
07:55 # In heaven and on earth #
07:59 # Peace #
08:03 (Birds chirping)
08:06 (Birds chirping)
08:09 (Birds chirping)
08:12 [BLANK_AUDIO]