United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ Families across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth gather around their TVs every Christmas, to hear the monarch give their annual Christmas message. The tradition began with a radio broadcast by King George V in 1932 via the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Empire Service.
The idea of a Christmas message from the sovereign was initially suggested by the BBC’s founding director-general, John Reith in 1922. His Majesty declined when he approached King George V about it, as he believed the radio was mainly for entertainment. A decade later, Reith proposed the idea as a way to inaugurate the Empire Service (now the World Service), and after some encouragement from Queen Mary, The King agreed to take part. King George was originally hesitant about using the untested medium of radio for the Script by Rudyard Kipling, but was reassured after a summertime visit to the BBC. A temporary studio was set up at Sandringham House. The King’s message was introduced from Ilmington Manor by a local shepherd, 65-year-old Walton Handy during the 1932 broadcast. Carols from the church choir and bells ringing from the town church were incorporated and the message was believed to have reached 20 million people across the UK, Kenya, India, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
King Edward VIII had abdicated just prior to his first Christmas as King. Therefore, he never made a festive broadcast. It would hence be his successor, King George VI, who continued the tradition of his father’s Christmas broadcasts. His reading was delivered in 1939, during the opening stages of World War II. In his speech, he notably remarked:
“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.’”
The message was produced by BBC up until 1996. The message would be produced and broadcast alternately by the BBC from 1997 on, and its main rival, Independent Television News (ITN) with a biennial rotation. It is reported that the decision was made after the BBC decided to air a controversial interview with Diana, Princess of Wales about infidelity in her marriage to Prince Charles.
For several years, the speech came at the end of an hour-long broadcast featuring greetings from various parts of the Commonwealth and the British Empire. At 3:07 p.m. on 25 December 1952, almost 10 months after her father’s death, Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas message from her study at Sandringham House. Five years later, the message would be broadcast for the first time on television, becoming an annual tradition except for in 1959 and 1963 when Her Majesty was heavily pregnant. There was no message in 1969 since the Royal Family aired a special documentary and Elizabeth II felt that everyone had seen more than enough of her for one year. To still acknowledge the holiday, Her Majesty issued a written message.
Over the years the speeches had become widely popular as they allowed the public to get a personal look at the monarch as well as see the decorations from inside the palace. Many also appreciate the rare family photos placed in the background of the set. The speech typically reflects on the last year and shows videos and photos of the highlights of it. The monarch then reflects on the New Year to come and sends their wishes for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
The actual speech itself is recorded a few days before Christmas. On the internet, for example, in the United Kingdom, the broadcast of the message is embargoed until 15:00 GMT on 25th December. The speech is sometimes televised at specific times, otherwise, it’s aired based on the country and its programming.
