King Charles evokes environmentalism, peace in Christmas message

LONDON: King Charles III has evoked environmentalism and the need for peace around the world in the second Christmas Day message of his reign -- and his first since being formally crowned monarch in May.

Addressing the country and beyond from Buckingham Palace, the 75-year-old sovereign spoke of finding “great inspiration” in the “growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world”.

Standing next to a living Christmas tree -- a first for the UK monarchy´s annual festive address -- the eco-conscious king also said he was praying for peace, as conflict rages in the Middle East and elsewhere.

“To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none,” Charles said in the pre-recorded royal message broadcast on British television at 1500 GMT. A long-term environmental campaigner who addressed the recent COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai, the monarch added that “we care for the earth for the sake of our children´s children”.

Ending his message by acknowledging “increasingly tragic conflict around the world”, Charles said he prays “that we can also do all in our power to protect each other”. “The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ´Do to others as you would have them do to you´,” he added, noting “such values are universal”.