King Charles' first Christmas speech reflects cost-of-living crisis

He spoke of the "great anxiety and hardship" for those struggling to "pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm", Qazet.az informs.

There were images of food banks and help for the homeless alongside the speech, recorded by the King in St George's Chapel, Windsor.

He paid tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth, who is buried in the chapel.

The late Queen pioneered the televised royal Christmas Day address, and used what was to become her final message last year to speak of "passing the baton" to the next generation.

The themes of the King's speech touched on some of his causes and beliefs - concern for the disadvantaged, the importance of public service and supporting a multi-faith approach to religion.

Only "working royals" appeared on screen in the King's broadcast, including the Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal.

That meant that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were not mentioned. The Duke of York was also not included.

At a time of industrial strife and financial pressures, the King's message focused on those supporting people in need.

"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," said the King.

The message was accompanied by pictures of charities giving food to the homeless and volunteers helping at a food bank.

Buckingham Palace has said funds donated after the death of the late Queen were being given to a charity helping those unable to pay energy bills.

The King has gathered with other senior royals at Sandringham, Norfolk, for Christmas, and earlier attended the traditional Christmas Day service for the first time as monarch.