King Charles III has chosen Westminster Abbey as the setting for his Christmas Day address this Thursday, underscoring a theme of pilgrimage expected to feature prominently in the annual message to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

The historic abbey in central London—renowned for royal coronations and weddings spanning more than a millennium—is also the focal point of an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Edward the Confessor, which lies at the heart of the church. Edward, a deeply religious monarch, was canonized as a saint in 1161.

The king’s prerecorded Christmas message is traditionally watched by millions across the U.K. and the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 56 countries, many with historical ties to Britain. The broadcast airs at 3 p.m. local time, when many families are gathered for Christmas lunch.

The annual address is one of the few occasions when Charles, 77, speaks publicly without government guidance, allowing him to reflect personal views. The speech typically carries a strong religious tone, addresses contemporary issues, and occasionally draws on the monarch’s own experiences.

This year’s message follows a televised appearance two weeks ago in which Charles said encouraging news from his doctors would allow him to scale back his cancer treatment in the new year. The king was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. Buckingham Palace has said his treatment has now entered a “precautionary phase,” with ongoing monitoring to support his recovery.

Last year’s Christmas speech was recorded at Fitzrovia Chapel, formerly part of the Middlesex Hospital complex. In that address, Charles paid tribute to health care workers nationwide and thanked the doctors and nurses who cared for him following his diagnosis.

This year’s broadcast will be the fourth Christmas message delivered by Charles since he ascended the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022.