King Charles Faces Backlash Over Omission from Christmas Speech

In his recent Christmas speech, King Charles quoted lines from T.S. Eliot’s Burnt Norton, specifically referencing “the still point of the turning world” as he urged for spiritual calm and reflection. However, this literary reference has sparked criticism from some commentators who believe it felt disconnected from the current turmoil surrounding the royal family.

A royal aide defended the King’s choice of literary references, stating that they were carefully chosen and reflective. However, many listeners felt that these references were detached from the pressing issues that the public is currently facing. In a time where institutional trust is crucial, clear acknowledgment of real-life issues is deemed more important than symbolic gestures.

One of the biggest challenges during King Charles’ reign has been the scandal involving Prince Andrew. In 2025, the King made the unprecedented decision to strip his brother of his titles, remove him from his residence, and bar him from official royal duties. While these actions were widely praised for drawing a clear line between the monarchy and Andrew’s actions, the absence of any mention of this in the Christmas speech has left observers divided.

A former royal adviser commented on the situation, noting that while the King has shown he can make tough decisions, true leadership also requires addressing uncomfortable truths publicly. For many observers, the opportunity to do so in the Christmas speech has now been missed.