Wednesday December 25, 2024 | NATIONAL
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
In a Christmas message on December 25, King Charles III delivered his thoughts on the power of community and the service of people to the people and causes around them.
He touched on the ‘devastating effects’ of conflict, recalling a 2024 visit with ‘remarkable’ veterans of “that very special generation” who fought and lived through the Second World War.
King Charles emphasized the power of listening as a way to better understand the issues of our time.
The message aired at 7:30 am Pacific Time (10:30 am Eastern Time). The backdrop for the video message was a stately arrangement of decorated Christmas trees, with no family photos as had been the custom of his mother the late Queen Elizabeth II.
King going on now two years:
Charles ascended to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. His official coronation was held on May 6, 2023.
In 2024 he has been receiving treatments for cancer, but at age 76 continues to make public appearances.
King Charles III Coronation Medal:
Here in Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, was launched by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
The medal recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada, and who were alive on May 6, 2023 (the King’s coronation date).
Several British Columbians have received the medal this year.
===== RELATED:
- King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke (November 12, 2024)
- King Charles III Coronation Medals to 18 recipients in Victoria (September 11, 2024)
- Stew Young receives King Charles III Coronation Medal (September 4, 2024)
- Four west shore recipients of the King Charles III coronation medal (September 4, 2024)
- King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded to 54 British Columbians including three recent premiers (August 28, 2024)
- King Charles III to be featured on new $20 note (May 6, 2024)
- First Canadian stamp to bear King Charles III’s likeness (May 9, 2023)
- King Charles III addresses nation, Commonwealth & world (September 9, 2022)