It is the first time a living tree has been used as part of the backdrop for Charles’ annual festive address to the nation and Commonwealth. Charles, like Queen Elizabeth, writes his Christmas broadcasts and last year he followed his mother’s well-established template, a personal reflection on the year, touching on current issues and with a Christian framework. The King is a long-term environmental campaigner who delivered a speech at the recent Cop28 UN Climate Change summit, and the tree will be replanted after the broadcast. Charles’ Christmas message, due to be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, is again delivered standing up and this year’s location is the Buckingham Palace room that leads on to the royal residence’s iconic balcony. The circular tazza-shaped bowl of Japanese lacquered wood with gilt bronze mounts is held by the Royal Collection Trust.

Source: The Times December 24, 2023 05:13 UTC