In his first Christmas message as king, Carlos III highlighted this Sunday the Christian faith of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and paid particular tribute to people who selflessly help those who need it most.
Standing in the choir of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, just outside London, King Charles III recalled the late Elizabeth II's deep belief in God, "the everlasting light", and in the goodness of people to help others.
"My mother's belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people, and it's something I share with all my heart," he said.
The monarch highlighted, in this line, the transformative capacity of that light. "It is a belief in the extraordinary capacity of each person to touch, with kindness and compassion, the lives of others and to shine a light on the world around them," said the monarch, who is spending Christmas today at the residence of Sandringham, south-east England, with his closest relatives.
The king highlighted the dedication of the armed forces and emergency services who "work tirelessly" to keep the population "safe", as well as "health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those who work in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities."
The monarch recognized the hardships that many people face due to conflicts, famines or natural disasters, as well as those who try to pay electric bills and keep families fed, as a result of the crisis.
"I want to pay tribute in particular to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or the most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them," he said.
"Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras have come together once again to feed the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbor as ourselves. ", stressed Carlos III.
The monarch also recalled the visit he made a few years ago to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, which, he said, was "a lifelong wish."
"While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light that overcomes darkness is celebrated beyond the limits of faith and belief," he added.
"So whatever faith you may or may not have, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility found in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future." , stressed the monarch.
Carlos III recorded the speech next to a large Christmas tree, decorated with sustainable materials, such as paper and glass, and natural products such as pineapples.
During his years as Prince of Wales, Charles III, 74, regularly expressed concern about the threat to the environment and worked to unite governments and the public and private sectors to find solutions to the climate change crisis.
