King Charles will prove his green credentials by delivering his annual Christmas speech in front of a living tree.
It will be the first time one has been used as the backdrop for the annual address to the nation. The tree’s branches are adorned with natural and sustainable decorations.
These include hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper. The tree will be replanted after Christmas.
His Majesty posed in front of a balcony window in Buckingham Palace, overlooking the Queen Victoria memorial.
Last year, Charles’ Christmas broadcast followed his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s well-established template. It was a personal reflection of the year, touching on current issues with Christian framing.
The King is a long-time environmental campaigner who recently delivered a speech at the Cop28 UN Climate Change summit.
The Christmas message will be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day. The King will again be standing up as he addresses the nation from the room leading onto the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony.
Royals have often gathered in the Centre Room ahead of historic appearances on the balcony. It feated in Charles’ coronation and celebrations such as Trooping the Colour.
