For non Brits or those not living in Commonwealth countries (I think it is broadcast overseas, maybe you could comment) The King's Speech is a Christmas Day event when the monarch reflects on the past year and often on the Christmas gospel.
It was originally just on the radio but since 1957 it has also been on TV. It's pre-recorded. When I was a child I seem to remember that the Queen sat behind a desk to speak to us, but the speech has gradually become less formal. These days it usually includes video of royal events during the year.
Back in 1932 the script was written by Rudyard Kipling but King Charles writes his own Christmas speech. Last year he reflected on the 80th Anniversary celebrations of D Day and on war in our own times and he spoke of Christ entering the darkness of the world. He went on to speak of the care and support he had received while being treated for cancer. He reminded us of the communities who were determined that civil disorder and destruction should not prevail against justice, care and concern and so got out brushes and shovels and cleared the mess. There was footage of him being surrounded by a group hug and of Prince William wearing a pinny and helping to serve meals in a community kitchen.
When I was a child we always watched as a family, including members of my extended family who had come for lunch. It was a fixed point in the afternoon. These days I'm more likely to watch a streamed version.
But watch it, I will!!!
(I've included a link to last year's speech which includes a British Sign Language interpreter.)
We always felt that as head of the Church of England, it was a shame that the Queen only got one chance a 6ear to preach a sermon- but ause she almost always delivered a really good one!
ReplyDeleteAs in so much else, she was brilliant. We were so blessed to have her for so long.
DeleteI was able to watch the King's Speech, last year, online. It is a good tradition, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely.
DeleteWe have the King's Speech broadcast at the end of the evening news every Christmas Day. It was a ritual for my Mother when she was alive and I keep up the tradition. Margaret in New Zealand
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so pleased you can hear it too!
DeleteAs a child and also for most of my adult years, Christmas dinner was not served until after the “Queens Speech” we lapsed on this as grown children do not want their children to have to wait for this marker in our day
ReplyDeleteThe availability on streaming is really helpful, isn't it!
DeleteEmma - Northamptonshire above
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI wouldn't even attempt to listen if the man in our White House has one.
ReplyDeleteProbably not. The King is non political which is probably an advantage for this sort of speech.
DeleteWe do get to hear the speeches every year. Wonderful to be a Commonwealth country here.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Really glad that it also goes out in the Commonwealth.
DeleteHere in Australia we have the King's Speech about 7.30pm every Christmas Day, I record it as well so that if family things get in the way I won't miss out, my husband and I watch it together. By the way I also have Songs of Praise on permanent record on Sunday mornings so we can watch it after lunch. Both of us sing in our church choir, my husband since he was a little boy of 8 or 9. From Shirley in Perth.
ReplyDeleteAnother member of the Commonwealth family.
DeleteI do watch your King's speech and ours. Both on Christmas Day. As my husband can't be bothered by either monarchy and the children aren't really interested, I watch alone in perfect silence. Love, Marleen (The Netherlands)
ReplyDeleteI must admit I didn't know that King Willem-Alexander also des a Christmas speech. Thank you for that.
DeleteIt is also pre-recorded. Thankfully, as he often stutters and makes mistakes when speeching ;)
Delete