- The European royals traditionally send greetings to the people at Christmas
- The individual countries differ quite a lot
- This is how the royals address their people
Great Britain: The British royals hold true each year to their Christmas traditions. Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas speech has been broadcast on the radio since 1952 and on television since 1957. After her death in September 2022, another royal will address the public for the first time.
In 1969 there was no speech from the Queen, she only wrote. The speech is usually recorded in one of the rooms in Buckingham Palace. The speech is accompanied by meaningful pictures and videos from the past year. In 2020 the recording of the speech was postponed by a few days.
Spain: Like his father, King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Felipe of Spain addresses his people every December 24 at 9 p.m. The speech is pre-recorded, probably so that he too can celebrate Christmas Eve with his family at the same time.
It is an important moment every year for all Spaniards who sit in front of the television by the millions and reflect on the year with Felipe. The modern King delivered his speech as King from the royal palace for the first two years, and from his office in the Zarzuela Palace for the last few years.
Also interesting:
Sweden: King Carl Gustaf had his Christmas speech recorded a few days before it was broadcast at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. It is then traditionally broadcast on radio and television on December 25th.
Carl Gustaf gave his first Christmas speech as Crown Prince in 1972, and since 1973 he has spoken to the people as King. Incidentally, he has only been on television since 2007. Until then you could only listen to the radio.
Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander has his Christmas speech recorded at home at Villa De Eikenhorst a few days before. Traditionally, the speech is played on December 25 at 1 p.m. and can be seen on television and heard on the radio. His mother Beatrix always sat in her study in Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
Denmark: Queen Margrethe II's New Year's speech is broadcast live on New Year's Eve, 31 December, at 6 p.m. In Denmark, this is a cherished must-attend event and Margrethe's words are discussed for days.
The Queen is usually seated in her study at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, but in 2018 she delivered the speech from Fredensborg Palace.
Monaco: Prince Albert II of Monaco addresses his people on January 1st. He takes the opportunity to speak about issues close to his heart, such as solidarity, the economy, and the environment.
We can't wait to see the royal addresses this year!
