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The royal family

I don’t often feel sorry for the King…

147 replies

CurlewKate · 09/11/2025 20:46

…but bloody hell, I hope he’s got a crack writer’s room for this year’s Christmas Message! I wonder who might be up for it?

OP posts:
BigWillyLittleTodger · 10/11/2025 11:43

CurlewKate · 10/11/2025 11:34

Speaking as a “frothing mass” I think he can’t ignore all the shit. Particulary if he thinks, which I’m pretty sure he does, that there’s more to come. Even if it’s something about “challenging decisions”.
As an aside, I’m going to petition for FM to become a standard Mumsnet abbreviation exclusively for use on Royal Family threads….

Then you need to add CD and FT to your request as that’s what regular posters are called on here constantly.

W0tnow · 10/11/2025 11:44

elprup · 10/11/2025 07:52

I STILL can’t get over him being called the King. It sounds so strange. I’m just so used to him being Prince Charles.

Same! He’s been that all my life. As for ‘The Queen’, well that’s Elizabeth!

Todayisanewbeginning · 10/11/2025 11:51

JustMyView13 · 10/11/2025 10:41

ChatGPT

ChatGPT says:

From Buckingham Palace

My fellow citizens of the United Kingdom, and of the Commonwealth,

Each Christmas, I am reminded of the deep well of kindness and courage that sustains our nation and the wider Commonwealth family. It is a season that draws us together — in churches, in community halls, and in the warmth of our own homes — to reflect upon the year that has passed and to look forward with hope.

Over the past year, many have faced times of uncertainty and challenge. Yet again, I have been humbled by the generosity of spirit shown by so many. From those who care for the vulnerable, to those who volunteer their time to bring comfort to others, these quiet acts of service embody the very heart of our shared humanity.

In my travels across the country and the Commonwealth, I have met people of every generation and from every background who are working to build stronger, more compassionate communities. Their commitment to one another — to fairness, to dignity, to respect — reminds us that the values we celebrate at Christmas are alive and well in our midst.

Family, too, holds a special place at this time of year. Every family knows moments of joy and moments of difficulty. It is through understanding, forgiveness, and love that we find the strength to face those moments together. Christmas invites us to rediscover that grace — to offer patience, to seek reconciliation, and to cherish those around us, however different our paths may sometimes seem.

In a world that can often feel divided, it is my fervent hope that we continue to look for what unites us. Whether through faith or fellowship, through service or shared purpose, we are stronger when we extend a hand to one another.

I have taken great comfort in seeing how the younger generations continue to lead with imagination and care — especially in their efforts to protect our planet, our common home. Their sense of responsibility gives me hope that the challenges of today will be met with courage and compassion tomorrow.

At Christmas, we are reminded of the birth of Jesus Christ — a story of light shining in darkness, of peace offered to a troubled world. It is a message that transcends time, faith, and circumstance.

So, as we gather with loved ones, let us remember those who cannot be with us — the lonely, the displaced, and all who serve in the cause of peace. Let us also give thanks for the blessings we share, and for the enduring power of love to heal and to renew.

From my family to yours, and from my heart to each of you, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful, hopeful New Year.

God bless you all.

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 11:57

That Chat GPT stuff is very bland so yes he’ll probably go with something like that!

I know it’s not a round robin , but it is a reflection on the year good and bad. I think not referring to it at all doesn’t help victims of SA to feel seen and heard. It would be a very strong sign of their Majesties commitment if they gave some acknowledgment to what has happened.

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 11:58

Anyway, what do I care … I never even watch it!

CurlewKate · 10/11/2025 11:59

BigWillyLittleTodger · 10/11/2025 11:43

Then you need to add CD and FT to your request as that’s what regular posters are called on here constantly.

?

OP posts:
DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:19

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 11:57

That Chat GPT stuff is very bland so yes he’ll probably go with something like that!

I know it’s not a round robin , but it is a reflection on the year good and bad. I think not referring to it at all doesn’t help victims of SA to feel seen and heard. It would be a very strong sign of their Majesties commitment if they gave some acknowledgment to what has happened.

I think his Christmas messages are more about being a Head of State. It's only about 10 minutes. He's not going to talk about his family "good and bad" 🙄.
Both Camilla and Sophie are very involved with charities which support VAWAG and survivors of abuse, so it may be appropriate to reference their work.
However, as I've said, since he started doing these, he hasn't really focussed on the personal, he's used it to shine a light on what good people are doing throughout the UK.

VexedofVirginiaWater · 10/11/2025 12:20

I thought he looked particularly sad at the Cenotaph yesterday.

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:20

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 11:58

Anyway, what do I care … I never even watch it!

Right. In which case, his previous years' speeches haven't been about his family. So I'm sure this year will be no different.

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:21

W0tnow · 10/11/2025 11:44

Same! He’s been that all my life. As for ‘The Queen’, well that’s Elizabeth!

When someone on the news said "The Duke of Edinburgh", I was expecting Philip! (I know, I know he's dead...)

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 12:22

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:19

I think his Christmas messages are more about being a Head of State. It's only about 10 minutes. He's not going to talk about his family "good and bad" 🙄.
Both Camilla and Sophie are very involved with charities which support VAWAG and survivors of abuse, so it may be appropriate to reference their work.
However, as I've said, since he started doing these, he hasn't really focussed on the personal, he's used it to shine a light on what good people are doing throughout the UK.

No need for the eye roll. You don’t agree ,fine, but Im entitled to my opinion.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 10/11/2025 12:23

Perhaps he should say that it has been an annus horribilis and leave it at that?

W0tnow · 10/11/2025 12:24

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:21

When someone on the news said "The Duke of Edinburgh", I was expecting Philip! (I know, I know he's dead...)

I just had to Google who the current one is…..

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:25

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 10/11/2025 12:23

Perhaps he should say that it has been an annus horribilis and leave it at that?

It hasn't though, because he'll talk about what charities and communities have achieved.

Teado · 10/11/2025 12:25

I don’t watch that and I don’t know anyone who does. Maybe I will this year though, just to see what the old dude says about Randy and the pantomime dame ex wife 😆

But seriously, an acknowledgement of the work family members have done on women’s issues might go a long way.

Comedycook · 10/11/2025 12:25

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 10:34

He doesn’t need to even refer to it directly. Maybe something about it’s been a year of difficult decisions etc. As you say the Queen often said a lot without saying much ! Recollections may vary ….

Exactly. I doubt he will reference it directly. It will be a vague message about integrity and values and remaining true to them even if it means making tricky decisions...blah blah blah

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:25

W0tnow · 10/11/2025 12:24

I just had to Google who the current one is…..

😂

NewAgeNewMe · 10/11/2025 12:26

VexedofVirginiaWater · 10/11/2025 12:20

I thought he looked particularly sad at the Cenotaph yesterday.

Yes I thought he looked particularly unwell and tired. Worn down almost. He’s had a tough time with his health and the Andrew stuff. Harry and he don’t seem to have a great relationship, so I imagine not easy for him as a father, brother on top of HofS.

MySilentLions · 10/11/2025 12:27

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 11:36

Yes, Sophie's visit to Sudan and listening to those absolutely horrific stories of the sexual violence against women and children was something else.
That report made for very difficult reading.

I couldn’t bear it, just utterly horrific. Made me weep. She didn’t get enough credit for being there and trying to do some good.

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:34

MySilentLions · 10/11/2025 12:27

I couldn’t bear it, just utterly horrific. Made me weep. She didn’t get enough credit for being there and trying to do some good.

Oh god, me too. It really opened my eyes to the atrocities there, and I was shocked by the lack of media coverage - until that horrific attack on the maternity hospital got publicised.
The scale and horror is just beyond comprehension.

OneMoreProfiterole · 10/11/2025 12:39

He should get Alan Carr to do it all… he can’t do no wrong at the moment!!

DelectableMe · 10/11/2025 12:41

OneMoreProfiterole · 10/11/2025 12:39

He should get Alan Carr to do it all… he can’t do no wrong at the moment!!

His speech about that children's charity which benefited from his winnings! 😥
Brilliant idea 💡

Bagamama · 10/11/2025 12:43

The Christmas message is filmed about two weeks before Xmas.
He won't mention AMB, and quite rightly.

Hope he goes heavy on the work the Queen and Sophie have done

Sidebeforeself · 10/11/2025 13:15

Im not saying he should specifically mention Mr. MW.

CurlewKate · 10/11/2025 14:01

The thing is that the deprincing is such a seismic event in the family that I can’t see how he can avoid at least mentioning it…

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