King Charles has broken a classic Royal tradition in his 2024 Christmas message to the nation.
The 76-year-old monarch recorded his annual speech in a special location outside of a royal residence for the first time in over a decade.
King Charles recorded his speech at the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in Pearson Square, central London, almost two weeks ago, according to reports.
A still image from the unseen video shows the King smiling at the camera as he stands in front of a beautiful Christmas tree, decorated with pinecones, metal bells, and twisted glass and, baubles.
The monarch's choice of venue reflects his strong Christian beliefs and various health struggles he and other members of his family have faced this year.
This year's message from the King is reportedly going to focus on international, national and personal challenges and how they support from one another will help overcome tough times.
The Princess of Wales also picked a similar theme for her Christmas carol concert, which focused on the importance of kindness, love, and empathy.
Against the beautiful backdrop of Fitzrovia Chapel, the King is set to thank the incredible work of the healthcare professionals, especially in light of the riots and the Southport stabbings this summer.
It is understood that Charles' decision to film outside of Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle was to give it a more modern feel.
The Fitzrovia Chapel, described on its website as 'an enchanting jewel of Byzantine inspired architecture,' the first mass was held in the chapel on Christmas Day 1891 and it quickly became a place for both staff and patients of the former Middlesex Hospital to reflect and find solace.
The fact that this was a non-denominational chapel is also said to have been a key factor in picking it, a reflection of the King's respect to all faiths, not just Christianty.
The chapel remains a place of worship today, and is also used for weddings and civil partnerships, community events, concerts, and fashion shows.
The last Christmas broadcast not recorded at a royal residence was one by the late Queen's at Hampton Court Palace in 2010.Â
In 2003, Elizabeth II also opted to speak from the Household Cavalry Barracks in Windsor because she wanted to draw attention to the many members of servicemen and women who were deployed overseas.
King Charles delivered his first Christmas message as monarch from St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in 2022 and from Buckingham Palace in 2023.
