Picture released of King in room beside Buckingham Palace balcony ahead of Christmas message

The King will deliver his Christmas message from the room behind the Buckingham Palace balcony, which has been decorated with a living Christmas tree.

Environmentally friendly natural ornaments are hanging from the tree, which will be replanted at a later date.

A photo of the King has been released ahead of the broadcast which will take place on Christmas Day.

The message was recorded in early December inside the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, which overlooks The Mall.

The King is pictured standing in front of the large doors that lead onto the iconic balcony, where he waved to the crowds after the coronation.

This will be his second festive address and is usually a reflective, personal message to the country and Commonwealth.

It has been a busy year for the King with his coronation in May, as well as his first state visits to Germany, France and Kenya.

The King more recently launched his Coronation Food Project, which aims to tackle food waste and hunger.

The contents of the annual address are kept secret until it is broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day.

Last year King paid tribute to his late mother

Last year, his first message was filmed in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, close to the final resting place of the late Queen.

During his inaugural broadcast he paid tribute to his mother and referenced the cost-of-living crisis.

As is tradition, the King and other family members will gather at Sandringham and attend a Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene church.

No details have been released on who will be joining the King and Queen, but the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children are expected to be among the royal party.

Unlike his late mother, who recorded her message with poignant family photographs in the background, no such portraits can be seen next to the King.