The King has added a royal first to his Christmas broadcast. The tree featured is a living one and will be replanted at the end of the festive season.

Charles III will make his second Christmas Day broadcast from Buckingham Palace – in 2022, he chose to speak from the Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle.

His Majesty will speak from the Centre Room of the Palace which opens up on to the famous balcony. It is a fitting location as it was here that The King and Queen walked out to greet the crowds waiting for them after the Coronation in May.

King Charles is expected to refer to this historic moment in his speech which has been produced this year by ITN.

And environmental issues are also likely to be referenced in a year which saw His Majesty make an important speech at the COP28 summit.

The green theme of the living tree is continued in its decorations. Its branches are decked with dried oranges, pinecones and paper as well as hand turned wood and brown glass.

The Centre Room is in the East Wing of Buckingham Palace and was given a thorough makeover by The King’s great grandmother, Queen Mary, in the early part of the 20th century.

King Charles will speak to the country and the Commonwealth at 3pm on Christmas Day.