KINGS' POIGNANT MESSAGE
First look at King’s Speech as palace shares behind-the-scenes clip & Charles’ breaks tradition with message to Britain
You can watch the snippet in the video
KING Charles has shared a first look at his Christmas speech after breaking tradition with his annual message.
The monarch, 76, recorded the speech two weeks ago at the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London.
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Charles' decision to give the speech from the former hospital is a break from tradition following his cancer diagnosis.
A post on Instagram said: "Lights. Camera. Action!
"The annual Christmas Day tradition - the Sovereign’s Christmas Broadcast - is almost here. Where will you be watching?"
The footage shows a Christmas tree being decorated along with a brief look at his speech.
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The video also shows Charles delivering the speech to the nation in front of the camera.
Charles can be seen wearing one of his favourite blue ties.
In the address, the monarch will mention his and the Princess of Wales’s health battles in the first Christmas broadcast in 14 years to be filmed away from the royal estate.
Charles was said to be “enchanted” by the stunning chapel.
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The monarch wanted to break from festive tradition at the end of a tumultuous year.
The chapel used to serve London's medical community and it is thought Charles's decision was a nod to his cancer battle.
King Charles chooses unusual yet symbolic location for King’s Speech in break with tradition
It is now a space for quiet reflection, discovery and celebration, connecting diverse communities from all faiths or none.
Charles is said to have loved photos of the ornate 19th-century venue, and surprised passers-by when he arrived for filming amid high security a fortnight ago.
A Palace source said: “The King wanted to do things a bit differently this year and reach out into the community rather than just in the royal estates, which is a key theme of his work.”
Charles personally chose it before visiting for the first time on the day of filming on December 11, when the area close to Oxford Street was closed off.
The source added: “It seemed logical it must have some healthcare connection, it had to be a community space there to bring communities together, that it was suitably beautiful and festive, and have a royal connection, and be in easy reach of Buckingham Palace.
“He loved the pictures and loved the story behind it and loved the place when he got there. He was completely enchanted.”
One of the key themes of the speech is understood to be a plea "for peace".
The King is said to have arrived at the chapel to film the speech on December 11.
Onlookers were shocked as the monarch walked in with his security team.
One witness described the appearance as "cloak and dagger", with Charles and his security team "literall in-out".
They added: "They just pulled up here and shut the door of the chapel and were there for about an hour. I was shocked when I saw him - I said ‘Oh my God it’s Charles!'"
It comes amid reports that Charles' cancer treatment will continue into next year.
The King's recovery is "moving in a positive direction" but is still ongoing, reports.
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A source told the broadcaster: "His treatment has been moving in a positive direction.
"As a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year."
CHAPEL A QUIET SPOT FOR SOLACE
By Matt Wilkinson
FITZROVIA Chapel was built in the central courtyard of Middlesex Hospital to be used by patients and visitors.
Its first service was on Christmas Day 1891, with an official opening by the Bishop of London the following June.
However, its ornate interior was only completed in 1929, after the death of its designer, eminent architect John Loughborough Pearson.
Middlesex Hospital began as an infirmary in 1745 for the “sick and lame of Soho”.
It moved nearby 12 years later before it was demolished in 1924 after it was declared structurally unsafe.
A new hospital was built on the site with a foundation stone laid by Charles’s grandfather, the future King George VI, in 1928 below.
It was closed for good in 2005 before being knocked down again in 2008 — although the Grade II-listed chapel was given a £2million restoration.
It is now used for religious services and a “space for quiet reflection for people of all faiths or none”.
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