King Puts Spotlight On Cost Of Living Crisis

King Charles has highlighted the cost of living crisis and the "great anxiety and hardship" of many struggling to "pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm", in his first Christmas broadcast.

- Caroline Davies

In the message, with the nation in the grip of economic woes and against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the king dedicated a major part of his broadcast to those helping to ease the plight of others.

Footage of food banks and meals being distributed to the needy featured prominently as he praised "the wonderfully kind people" who had donated food or their time.

Delivered from the quire of St George's Chapel, Windsor, from where the late Queen Elizabeth II had also broadcast her Christmas message in 1999, the monarch paid tribute to his mother, and recognised others who had lost loved ones.

Addressing those of all faiths and none, he said religious communities were among those helping others in financial difficulties. He also praised the volunteers, charity workers, healthcare workers and others who had stepped up to help in times of adversity.

On his central theme of "selfless dedication", he said it could be seen "in our armed forces and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe".

"We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.

"And at this time of great anxiety and hardship - be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.

"I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all - their time - to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organisations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances."