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Economic hardship and international turmoil have both jolted Britons hard this year.
That from Britain's Prince Charles who honoured his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in his first Christmas address to the nation.
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KING CHARLES III:
And this time of great anxiety and hardship, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.
I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations to support those around them in greatest need.
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In his first Christmas address to the nation, Prince Charles acknowledged the financial burden on families and thanked health and emergency services workers.
But he never addressed the winter strikes dogging the UK.
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We see it in the selfless dedication of our Armed Froces and emergency services, who work tirelessly to keep us all safe.
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Opinion polls show massive support for the striking workers who are seeking pay raises in line with inflation.
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Earlier, royal enthusiasts caught a glimpse of the the royals as they honoured their Christmas tradition at Sandringham without the Queen.
The King also lauded Prince William and Kate for upholding the "community spirit" without mentioning embattled Prince Harry and Meghan.
Charles, who'll be coronated in May next year, closed with a tribute to the Queen and expressed solidarity with those who also lost their loved ones this year.
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I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages who so many of you have sent my wife and myself.
And I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.
Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.
It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them.
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