King Charles' Christmas speech will be available in virtual reality

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "We have a great tradition of embracing new technologies from the very start of the Royal Christmas message and are always looking to reach out to new audiences."

The annual Christmas message from the monarch is a tradition that started during the reign of King George V in 1932. It was first broadcast on radio before airing on TV and is now available to audiences both online and in 3D.

The Christmas address was screened on television for the first time in 1957 under Queen Elizabeth II and was broadcast in 3D in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said at the time: "We wanted to do something a bit different and special in this Jubilee year, so doing it for the first time in 3D seemed a good thing, technology wise, to do. The Queen absolutely agreed straight away there was no need for convincing at all, she was absolutely ready to embrace something new in this year."

Charles is said to be picky about what technology he uses and is reported not to have his own mobile phone.

However, the King is believed to be a regular user of Dyson air purifying fans and apparently enjoys using the video platform Zoom - after relying on it frequently during the coronavirus lockdown.

Meanwhile, Charles revealed that his cancer treatment "can be reduced in the New Year" in a video message that aired on Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer event earlier this month.

The monarch - who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February 2024 - said: "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.

"Now, I've heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading an active life, even while undergoing treatment.

"Indeed, today, I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctor's orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.

"This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years.

"Testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50 per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives."