King Charles has been a victim of his own success. His first Christmas broadcast last year, which was both affecting and socially conscious, attracted 10.6 million viewers, making it not only the most-watched monarch’s seasonal address since viewing records began, but also the most popular single programme to air over the festive period last year.

The cynical might argue that its success was partly down to rubber-necking curiosity – would Charles mention his family’s rift with Prince Harry? – and partly because of the relative paucity of must-watch television in our increasingly bifurcated age. Still, it was a triumph both of presentation (the new monarch is a far more natural and committed performer than his mother ever was, let alone his hapless grandfather) and, in its own modest way, of content. How could this year’s instalment compare?

Predictably enough, the hashtag #NotMyKing trends on Twitter.

QOSHE - The King’s speech was more Christian than his mother had dared - Alexander Larman
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The King’s speech was more Christian than his mother had dared

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25.12.2023

King Charles has been a victim of his own success. His first Christmas broadcast last year, which was both affecting and socially conscious, attracted 10.6 million viewers, making it not only the most-watched monarch’s........

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