King Charles says his thoughts are with those suffering 'devastating' effects of war in Middle East

Monarch also spoke of 'pride' at how communities responded to riots where mosques were targeted

King Charles III records his Christmas message at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London. Getty Images

King Charles has used his Christmas Day address to say his thoughts are with those suffering “devastating” effects of wars around the world, including the Middle East.

In his annual message to the UK and Commonwealth, the king also spoke about his "deep sense of pride" at how communities responded to the riots over the summer in which mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted by far-right inspired mobs.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Christmas speech was recorded in a setting that isn't in a royal palace or estate.

In his speech, King Charles talked about how moved he was talking to surviving veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of France by allied armies in the Second World War.

"During previous commemorations we were able to console ourselves with the thought that these tragic events seldom happen in the modern era,” he said.

"But, on this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to so many people's lives and livelihoods.”

King Charles’s referencing of the Middle East follows his address last year in which he made a plea for humanity to “protect each other” during a time of increasing global conflict. He also outlined the common values of the “Abrahamic family of religions”, which emphasised service to others, during his televised address.

Children sweep up outside a mosque that was attacked in Southport, UK. Getty Images

The monarch also talked about this summer’s riots across the UK, which followed the murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport. During the disturbances Southport mosque came under attack and a hotel housing asylum in Rotherham was targeted. They were denounced as "far-right thuggery" by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

A few days ago the king and Queen Camilla visited Waltham Forest Town Hall in north-east London to celebrate the community cohesion shown by Walthamstow residents, who took to the streets to stage a peaceful counter-protest in the wake of riots following the Southport stabbings.

At the time, the king was briefed daily about the situation and was engaging privately in the issues generated by the outbreak of violence across the country. Local communities came out to protect mosques, while footage was shown of people sweeping the streets and collecting bricks in a clear-up operation.

"I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair," he said.

"To repair not just buildings, but relationships. And, most importantly, to repair trust; by listening and, through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all."

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  King Charles III meets Sister Annie Demerjian, from Syria, during an advent service celebrating the strength and courage of faith communities at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, in London in December 2024. PA

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  King Charles is presented with a White Helmet from the Syria Civil Defence organisation after launching Syria's House, a temporary Syrian community tent in Trafalgar Square, central London, in February 2023. Getty Images

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  King Charles during the launch of Syria's House in Trafalgar Square. The initiative offered a place where members of the Syrian community could get together to support those affected by the earthquakes in north-west Syria. Getty Images

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  King Charles is given a rose for Valentine's Day as he meets members of the public before talking with members of the Syrian diaspora community in Trafalgar Square in February 2023. Getty Images

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  King Charles visits Aberdeen Town House in October 2022 to meet families from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine who have settled in the Scottish city. Getty Images

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  The then Prince Charles plays with children during a visit to King Abdullah Park for Syrian Refugees in Ramtha, north of Amman, Jordan, in March 2013. AFP

The king paid tribute to the "selfless" doctors and nurses who provided "strength, care and comfort" during cancer treatment for himself and the Princess of Wales, in keeping with his open approach to his illness, which saw him publicise his diagnosis in February.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said.

The year’s message was delivered from Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, once served as the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital, in a year in which the king has been undergoing cancer treatment. The king is understood to have wanted a location with a connection to those working in healthcare.

The ornately decorated 19th Century building is now used for exhibitions and community events for people of any faiths and none.

Highlights of the royal year were shown from the king being hugged by a group of New Zealand female rugby players, the Princess Royal at an event, scenes from Kate's annual carol concert and crowds outside Sydney Opera House meeting the king and queen during their visit to Australia earlier this year.

The king referenced his visit to a Commonwealth summit in Samoa in October and suggested the institution's strength lay in its "diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith", and how its member states listened to each other – something that allowed people to "learn to respect our differences" and "defeat prejudice".