The King’s Speech 2024
- Dec 25, 2024, UK
The King’s Christmas Message, often referred to as The King’s Speech, is broadcast annually on Christmas Day.
The Christmas message was first broadcast via radio in 1932, with King George V addressing the public. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first televised speech in 1957 and was known for writing the heartfelt message herself.
As per tradition, King Charles III will likely reflect on the events from the past year while looking ahead to 2025.
If you are looking forward to hearing what HRH has to say, here is everything you need to know about The King’s Speech, including its date, time, channel, and message themes.
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When and Where Can I Watch The King’s Speech 2024?
The King’s Speech is typically broadcast at 3 pm on Christmas Day on BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV1. If you miss it, you can watch his Christmas message on BBC iPlayer.
Alternatively, you can listen to it on BBC Radio 4 or BBC Sounds when traveling to or from a loved one’s home on Christmas Day.
What is King Charles III Likely to Discuss?
King Charles III will recap events from the year while looking ahead into 2025. As it is the monarch’s personal message, he may choose to discuss topics close to his heart, such as climate change, the military, the Commonwealth, and education.
Who Writes the King’s Christmas Message?
Unlike the Queen, who would often ask her husband, Prince Philip, and her staff for help, King Charles III reportedly writes his Christmas message without assistance.
How Many People Watch The King’s Speech?
King Charles III’s speech was watched by 10.6 million people across the UK on Christmas Day in 2022. Also, it attracted 7.48 million viewers in 2023.
The message topped the TV ratings on Christmas Day over the last two years, beating the likes of Doctor Who and the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
However, the speech might struggle to rival the popularity of Gavin & Stacey: The Finale this year, as the 2019 Christmas Special secured more than 18 million viewers in the UK.
Also, the Christmas Day TV schedule is bursting with brand-new films and TV shows, such as Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the Outnumbered Christmas Special, and The Great Christmas Bake Off.
Is the King’s Speech Shown in Commonwealth Nations?
Yes. Many Commonwealth nations will broadcast the King’s Christmas speech. For example, The Australian Broadcast Corporation will air the message at 3.20 pm local time in Australia, New Zealand will broadcast it at 6.06 pm local time on Radio New Zealand, and Canada will show it on CBC Television at noon local time.
How Will the Speech Start?
The Christmas message is likely to start with “God Save the King,” the British national anthem.
Before King Charles III became monarch, “God Save the Queen” was played before Queen Elizabeth II delivered her personal message.
However, the anthem may be played at the end of the speech, which was the case in 1968, 1986 to 2000, 2002, and 2007.
How Long is the Christmas Message?
The King’s Speech is likely to last ten minutes. HRH will record the Christmas message in advance to ensure he delivers an articulate, memorable message for the British public and Commonwealth nations.
