King Charles has strayed from royal tradition with his year’s Christmas speech.
The monarch, 76, who opted to break tradition last year by writing the speech himself, has prerecorded his festive broadcast in a different location to that of previous years.
The royal family’s official Instagram account shared a photo of Charles from his speech, which was filmed at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London.
The king’s decision to film the holiday speech there marks the first time the location has been changed since 2006, after which, the speech was always recorded on the royal estate.
The late Queen Elizabeth II previously delivered her festive messages from either Southwark Cathedral, Windsor Castle, or the Sandringham Estate.
The location change is said to be symbolic for Charles, who has faced a difficult year following his cancer diagnosis in February.
“Formerly the chapel of Middlesex Hospital, it is now a space for quiet reflection, discovery and celebration, connecting diverse communities from all faiths or none,” the royal family’s social media post read.
What’s more, Charles’ late grandfather, King George VI, “laid the foundation stone of the building” in 1928, making it doubly special.
The chapel, described as “a place of solace, prayer and rest for staff and patients,” features a gold-leaf ceiling that boasts more than 500 stars and 40 types of marble.
In addition, the Christmas tree featured in the address was donated by a British cancer charity.
Every year, the festive broadcast is played via TV and radio on Christmas Day at 3 p.m. local time.
While the context of the king’s speech tends to remain under wraps until its broadcast, a royal insider revealed that Charles will address a variety of challenges, both personal and global, in his address.
The king will also touch on his personal health woes, which saw him diagnosed with cancer in February.
The following month, daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed her own cancer diagnosis.
“The message will address various difficulties at international, national and personal levels, whilst emphasizing how societal unity and mutual assistance can help overcome it,” a source told Reuters.
The King recorded last year’s speech in the Quire of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the Queen and Prince Philip are buried.
It comes as a recent report claimed that Charles is set to continue undergoing chemotherapy treatment in the new year.
Charles proved that he is in good spirits despite his health woes, as he joked with royal fans during an engagement last week, telling them, “I’m still alive.”
The King will host the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham Estate, which will not be attended by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the fifth year in a row.
