King's Christmas message: Sarah Ferguson's appearance at Sandringham could hint at a way back for Harry and Meghan

Christmas broadcasts are a moment for the monarch to reflect on the year, and 2023 certainly brought plenty for the King to contemplate.

It was a year punctuated with drama, from the coronation to the public airing of private family fallouts.

Perhaps this is why the King wanted to play it safe with his Christmas message.

His message contained no big statements or bold proclamations.

The themes were straightforward, with praise for those who serve others, and statements about the climate crisis and the conflict in the Middle East.

But all the references were cautious and uncontentious.

The royal Christmas broadcast can feel personal. This one was perhaps more perfunctory.

The late Queen would surround herself with family photos.

But it was a different look for this climate-conscious King who stood next to a living Christmas tree, soon to be replanted.

Like his mother, though, it’s clear the King’s Christian faith is of profound importance to him.

This was a simple message, spoken to the country and the Commonwealth.

An attempt to show the King as a steady, stable head of state.

King Charles wants to show he has successfully navigated a tricky year.

The large-scale public events like the coronation and his first state visits have all passed smoothly.

But the family rift with Harry and Meghan still casts a shadow.

Their absence at Sandringham is another reminder that relations remain strained.

Perhaps Sarah Ferguson’s appearance at church is a sign that there is always a way back into the family fold, however.