Watching the King’s Christmas Day broadcast is a cherished tradition for many, marking a moment of reflection and unity during the festive season. Even members of the Royal Family gather at Sandringham House to hear King Charles’s message. This year, as in previous years, the speech will be pre-recorded, a practice that began with Queen Elizabeth in 1959. The pre-recording allows for seamless distribution to broadcasters worldwide, ensuring that audiences everywhere can tune in on Christmas Day.
King Charles’s 2025 speech promises to reflect on the past year, addressing issues of global concern and the essence of Christmas. For those eager to hear his words, here’s how you can watch the broadcast, whether you’re at home in the UK or abroad.
Watching the King’s Christmas Speech in the UK
If you’re in the UK on Christmas Day, catching King Charles’s speech is straightforward, with multiple broadcasting options available. Tune in to BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News, or ITV1 at 3pm GMT to watch the 10-minute message. Additionally, Sky News offers coverage on their website, Freeview Channel 233, and Freesat Channel 202. For radio listeners, BBC Radio 4 will also broadcast the speech.
For those who prefer online viewing, the Royal Family’s YouTube channel will feature the speech, and it will be available on-demand via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. For a later viewing, BBC News will rebroadcast the message at 9:20pm. Until the new speech airs, previous Christmas messages can be revisited on YouTube.
Global Access to the King’s Speech
Many Commonwealth nations will also broadcast the King’s Christmas message. In Australia, viewers can tune in to ABC at 3:20pm AEDT, while New Zealanders can watch on TVZN1 at 6:06pm NZDT. In Canada, CBC will air the speech at 12pm ET. In the United States, C-Span will provide coverage, though times may vary, so checking local listings is advisable.
For those traveling or without access to traditional TV setups, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a solution. A VPN allows you to change your IP address, enabling access to broadcasts like the King’s speech from anywhere in the world. Our sister site, TechRadar, recommends NordVPN for its compatibility with most devices, streaming service support, and speed. Express VPN is also highlighted as a versatile option.
Using a VPN to Watch the Speech
If you’re new to VPNs, setting one up is simple. Follow these steps:
- Download and install the VPN, following NordVPN’s instructions.
- Open the app and select a server location in the UK.
- With the VPN active and location set, access BBC iPlayer or ITVX to watch the King’s speech.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has chosen unique locations for his Christmas speeches. In 2022, he spoke from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, followed by Buckingham Palace in 2023, and Fitzrovia Chapel in 2024. The latter, once the chapel for Middlesex Hospital, was selected to honor healthcare workers, reflecting the King’s ongoing commitment to public service.
The 2025 speech follows King Charles’s recent appearance in Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, where he shared a personal health update and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, stating,
“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
As the world prepares to hear King Charles’s 2025 Christmas message, the broadcast continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the shared values and challenges that unite us all during the holiday season.
