This Christmas, King Charles III will deliver his first ever Christmas message as King following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

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The occasion will mark only the second time in over 60 years that the nation has not watched the Queen deliver a televised Christmas speech.

Her Majesty the Queen died on 8th September 2022 at Balmoral Castle.

This year's Christmas message is the UK's first King's Speech in almost 70 years, and he will be the first male monarch to address the nation on TV.

Prior to the Queen's first televised speech in 1957, her predecessor, King George VI, delivered his speeches via radio.

The storied royal tradition began in 1932 with King George V, but it has evolved over the years, and now can also be viewed online.

King Charles' Christmas Day speech will be only his second address to the nation as King, having given his first address back in September after the Queen's passing.

Want to know when his Christmas message will be delivered and how to tune in? Here's everything we know about the King's Speech 2022.

What date is the King's Speech on TV?

King Charles III is expected to make his first Christmas Day speech as the country's monarch, continuing with the tradition that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, took on every year.

If he is to make the speech as usual, the broadcast will air across TV, radio and online on Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December.

What time is the King's Speech on TV?

King Charles III of the United Kingdom on September 03, 2022 in Braemar, Scotland
King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

While the time of the King's Speech is yet to be confirmed, the speech is typically broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day.

Since 1997, the BBC and ITV have taken it in turns to broadcast the monarch's Christmas speech, while Sky was added to the rotation in 2011.

What will the King talk about in this year's speech?

The overall theme of King Charles III's speech is yet to be confirmed, however it's likely that the new monarch will pay tribute to his late mother, who died in September at the age of 96, and reflect on celebrations around her Platinum Jubilee earlier in the year.

He will also likely speak about the UK's change in prime ministers across the year, with Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak each holding power in 2022, as well as the progress made in reducing COVID deaths and the ongoing war against Russia and Ukraine.

Queen Elizabeth II and a young King Charles III
Queen Elizabeth II and a young Charles Getty

The King's Speech will be broadcast on Christmas Day. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Entertainment hub for the latest news.

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Authors

Lauren Morris
Lauren MorrisEntertainment and Factual Writer
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