Basic Facts
On what date is the Christmas message traditionally broadcast?
On December 25th.
Which monarch started broadcasting the Christmas message on television?
Queen Elisabeth II.
Which monarch delivered the most Christmas messages?
Queen Elisabeth II - she delivered 70 Christmas messages from 1952 to 2021.
When did King Charles III deliver his first Christmas message?
In 2022.
At what time is the Christmas message traditionally broadcast?
At 3 pm GMT.
Who was the first monarch to deliver a Christmas message?
King George V.
What technological milestone is the first Christmas message connected with?
With the advent of radio broadcasting. It was aired on BBC, marking a key moment in the history of public communication.
Give at least two of the key topics addressed in the Christmas message.
Major events that have occurred in the year, hope, unity, social issues, challenges, Christmas, the monarch's personal milestones.
Where is the Christmas message typically recorded?
Typically at a royal residence, e.g. Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
In what year was the first Christmas message broadcast? (tolerance 5 years)
In 1932.
Why was the 1939 message of King George VI especially significant?
It was delivered during the early days of World War II and was widely praised for its tone of calmness and unity, providing a sense of reassurance and hope to the British public.
Currently, who writes the monarch's Christmas message?
The monarch writes their Christmas message themselves, with assistance from advisors and speechwriters.
Name one UK TV channel where the Christmas message can be watched live.
BBC, ITV, or Sky News.
Since the beginning of broadcasting the Christmas message, which monarch never delivered it?
King Edward VIII. He reigned from 20 January 1936 until his abdication in December of the same year, so no message was broadcast that year.
Can you name the 'first' associated with each of the following years' broadcasts? Give at least three: 1957 - 1967 - 1999 - 2012.
1957 - first televised
1967 - first in colour
1999 - first online
2012 - first in 3D
The first Christmas message was written by a famous poet, known for his works 'The Jungle Book' and 'If'. Who was he?
Rudyard Kipling.