King Charles' annual Christmas message is getting a major upgrade.
The broadcast is a Christmas Day tradition in England—but this year's backdrop will be entirely new. Citing an announcement from Buckingham Palace, People reports that the broadcast will feature "natural and sustainable decorations" displayed on the tree in the background. But what does that mean, exactly?
According to People, the Christmas tree's decor will include "hand-turned wood, pinecones, brown glass, dried oranges, and paper." The royal family's preview photo from the broadcast shows dried oranges adorning the Christmas tree behind the king. In addition to the sustainable decorations, the tree will be replanted after the broadcast airs. 2023 is the first time the program will feature a live Christmas tree, People notes.
The sustainable decorations and the live Christmas tree don't come as a surprise. Charles has long worked to raise awareness about sustainability and environmental issues, encouraging other world leaders to do more than "just talk" at the U.N.'s COP26 climate summit in 2021. "In 2050, our grandchildren won't be asking what we said. They will be living with the consequences of what we did or didn't do," Charles said at this year's COP28 conference.
This year is Charles' second time taking the helm of the Christmas broadcast following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022. His coronation took place this past May.
Before the airing of the broadcast, the royal family attended a Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Along with King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the church service with their children in tow. Also present were various other royal family members, including Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who hasn't participated in the church tradition since the 1990s.
-
The Hilarious Reason Prince William Got Banned From His Local DVD Store at UniversityThe royal reportedly got into trouble after hiring 2002 comedy 'Boat Trip'—and his bodyguards were no help at all.
-
Katie Holmes Proved the Naked Manicure Is a Seasonless StapleThis one is for the minimalists.
-
King Charles is "Keen" to Keep These Royals in the Fold Even if They'll Never Get "Full-Time" RolesDespite a "slimmed-down" monarchy, these two aren't going anywhere.
-
King Charles is "Keen" to Keep These Royals in the Fold Even if They'll Never Get "Full-Time" Roles
Despite a "slimmed-down" monarchy, these two aren't going anywhere.
-
Why King Charles's Cousin Immediately Name-Dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 'The Traitors'Lord Ivar Mountbatten quickly established his connection to the Sussexes, and discussed his status as the first openly gay British royal.
-
Why King Charles "Refuses" to Give Kate Middleton Advice About Becoming Queen"For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it's like to be queen."
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
-
King Charles "Never" Declared He Wanted a Slimmed-Down Monarchy, Per Royal Biographer"There was no specific plan," author Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire.'
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Meghan Markle’s Dad Said He’s “Incredibly Grateful” to King Charles for Walking Meghan Down the Aisle at Her Wedding"I wish her no ill-will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together."
-
This Historic 2025 Royal Family Photo Op "Might Feel a Bit Like Overkill," Per Royal AuthorRobert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that "people have an appetite to see the family, but it's a limited appetite."
