King Charles has shared an emotional tribute to his “beloved mother” the Queen in his first Christmas speech.
The Monarch, 74, announced that as he was broadcasting his festive message, he was not far from where his dear mother, and much-loved father, had been laid to rest.
The King’s speech also acknowledged now is a “time of great hardship” for Brits amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The last 69 speeches had been made by the late Queen, and this was a historic moment for Charles.
In the broadcast, which hit screens and radios at 3pm on Christmas Day in the UK, the King acknowledged how special a moment this was for him.
He said: “I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.
“I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.”
The King continued: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.
“We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.”
The King’s Christmas message was always set to be a tear-jerker following his mother’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and her funeral in September.
On Twitter, many acknowledged the historic moment and acknowledged “surreal” it was to see King Charles instead of the Queen.
During his speech, Charles said: “In the much-loved carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ we sing of how ’in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light’.
“My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people – and it is one which I share with my whole heart.”
He continued: “And at this time of great anxiety and hardship – be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm – we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.”
It comes after a day of festive activities for the Royal Family.
On Christmas morning, much of The Firm was snapped making their way into St Mary Magdalene Church, as part of their traditional festive walk.
The family waved to crowds as they made their way to their public church service.
Disgraced royal Prince Andrew was also in attendance, but walked behind the family and looked to be excluded, according to a body language expert who spoke to The Sun.
The walk was said to be only the first of many festive traditions for the Royal Family.
The group are planning more intimate gatherings, food, and games, prepared this afternoon, according to experts.
Earlier today, Prince William and Princess Kate shared an adorable Christmas painting by Prince George.
The proud parents took to social media to share the talented nine-year-old’s work this morning.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission