King Charles has used his Christmas address to pay tribute to the “selfless” doctors and nurses who provided “strength, care and comfort” during cancer treatment for himself and the Princess of Wales.

In his annual message to the nation and the Commonwealth, Charles offered his “heartfelt thanks” to the medical teams who supported him and his family “through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness”.

Charles also spoke of his “deep sense of pride” at how communities responded to the riots following the fatal Southport stabbings of three young girls, by repairing “not just buildings, but relationships”.

Sacrifices made by Second World War servicemen and women, which continue to “inspire, across the generations”, were acknowledged, as were the daily threats posed to so many by modern conflicts in the Middle East, central Europe and Africa.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”

The candid words of praise are in keeping with the King’s open approach to his illness which saw him publicise his diagnosis in February, in the hope some good would come from his situation.

The type of cancer has not been disclosed in a bid to reach the widest number of people.

It is understood the King’s doctors are very pleased with his progress and his ongoing treatment falls at the lower end of the scale in terms of its impact on his ability to work, and the first half of 2025 has a full program of engagements.

Kate is on the road to recovery after completing chemotherapy treatment in the summer and is making a gradual return to public duties, saying her focus is staying cancer free.

The Princess of Wales was shining as she greeted the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church while walking with the royal family in Sandringham.

Kate, 42, was joined by Prince William, their children Prince Louis, six, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince George, 11, as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla.

A few days ago the King and Queen visited Waltham Forest Town Hall in northeast London to celebrate the community cohesion shown by Walthamstow residents, who took to the streets to stage a peaceful counter-protest in the wake of riots following the Southport stabbings.

Speaking from Fitzrovia Chapel, a former London hospital chapel, Charles said he felt a deep sense of pride when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair.

“To repair not just buildings, but relationships. And, most importantly, to repair trust; by listening and, through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all,” he said.

During the King’s address, highlights of the royal year were shown including him being hugged by a group of New Zealand female rugby players, Kate’s annual carol concert and the crowds outside the Sydney Opera House during the King and Queen’s visit to Australia.

-AAP