King Charles made his fourth annual Christmas speech. This year, he’s urging people to do a “digital detox” and “focus on family and friends.”
The King Spoke of the Dangers of Too Much Time On Our Devices
His Majesty referred to TS Eliot, and said,
“Indeed, as our world seems to spin ever faster, our journeying may pause to quieten our minds. At the still point of the turning world, and allow our souls to renew.”
The King continued,
“In this, with our great diversity of our communities, we can find the strength to ensure that right triumphs over wrong. It seems to me that we need to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation, the way our Lord lived and died.”
A source close to the palace explained that the King was speaking about the dangers of spending too much time on social media and the global overuse of technology in general.
He was speaking about the impact that technology can have on society and people, especially the younger ones. The monarch is hopeful that this Christmas can provide a moment in which people can experience a “digital detox” and spend more time with others.
It means switching off the “mobile phones” and “devices” and staying off social media for a day. During the address, Charles strongly recommended that people pay more attention to their loved ones and their faith on such a Holy occasion.
Earlier this year, Kate Middleton delivered a similar message, as the Princess of Wales wrote an essay arguing that “digital overload” is “creating an epidemic” that “disrupts family life.”
Kate wrote,
“While digital devices promise to keep us connected, they frequently do the opposite, as these devices provide a ‘constant distraction’ and ‘undermine the time that families spend together.”
Charles Is In Awe of Servicemen and Women
During a very open and honest interview that Prince William gave earlier this year to comedian Eugene Levy, William admitted that none of his and Kate’s children were permitted to have smartphones.
King Charles also spoke today about the armed forces and the events held in their honor this year, including a tea party at Buckingham Palace in May to commemorate VE Day and the King and Queen’s appearance at the National Arboretum for the VJ event.
Plus, Auschwitz’s 80th anniversary event in Poland. The King spoke of the 80th anniversary commemorations,
“The end of the Second World War is now remembered by fewer and fewer of us, as the years pass.”
He continued,
“But the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, and the way communities came together in the face of such a great challenge, carry a timeless message for us all.”
Charles also mentioned being the first Head of the Church of England to publicly pray with the leader of the Catholic faith.
He described it as a “historic moment of spiritual unity.” The King went on to say,
“It is about journeying forward, into the future, while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons.”
Charles said he had heard so many stories about soldiers’ triumph over adversity, which gave him great hope.
The King added,
“As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common; a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life.”
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