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Simon Duke

King Charles' first Christmas speech set to score win for new monarch in TV ratings battle

King Charles III is being tipped to land a big TV victory on Christmas Day, with his first festive speech to the nation the red hot favourite to be the most watched show on Sunday.

In a huge moment for the new monarch, King Charles will address the nation in a pre-recorded message that will be broadcast on BBC One, ITV and Sky News on Sunday, December 25. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered many Christmas speeches over the course of her 70 year reign, with many of them featuring in the most watched lists for any given year, as Brits paused their celebrations with family and friends to tune in.

The Queen died in September at the age of 96, with her passing thrusting son Charles into his new role, with him officially proclaimed just two days later, before embarking on a UK tour prior to her funeral.

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And now, before Charles' coronation next year, the eyes of the nation will be on him on Christmas Day, when his debut speech will broadcast to homes across the land. The Christmas message will air at 3pm, ahead of other predicted TV big hitters like Strictly Come Dancing, Doc Martin and Call The Midwife.

But, with those three programmes are expected to land on this year's Christmas Day most watched list, it's King Charles who is set to come out on top. Bookies William Hill have him at 1/5 to be the most watched show on Sunday, with spokesperson Lee Phelps commenting: "As the British public flick through their TV guides to see what to tune in to on Christmas Day, our markets suggest the first of King Charles’ Christmas Speeches will be comfortably the most viewed programme on the 25th December this year.

“The King’s Speech, which will be the first of Charles’ reign following his ascendance to the throne in September, is the overwhelming favourite at 1/5 to claim the most viewing figures on Sunday.

He added: "Also keep an eye out for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special (12/1), which came a close second to the Queen’s Speech last year, whilst Call The Midwife is sure to have a big audience and has been cut to 7/2 from 9/2 this week following some support.”

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