EntertainmentKing Charles's Christmas speech tops TV ratings but can't match last year's viewership

King Charles's Christmas speech tops TV ratings but can't match last year's viewership

The Yuletide address from King Charles III managed to attract an average of 5.9 million viewers, clinching the top spot. The BBC, which aired this speech, dominated the day, boasting nine programs in the top ten British television viewership rankings. "Strictly Come Dancing", a British take on "Dancing with the Stars", came in second with 5.3 million viewers. "Doctor Who"'s festive episode claimed third place, amassing 4.7 million viewers.

King Charles III delivered his second Christmas message to the British.
King Charles III delivered his second Christmas message to the British.
Images source: © photo. YouTube

Though these might seem like solid figures, both the King's speech and "Strictly" saw a drop in popularity this year compared to last. Charles's 2022 Christmas speech, which alluded to the death of Queen Elizabeth II (who passed away on September 8 of the previous year), drew an average of 8.1 million viewers on BBC One. In his pre-recorded message, the king conveyed his gratitude to the people who extended love and empathy after his mother's passing.

"I fondly remember the heartfelt letters, cards, and messages so many of you sent to my wife and me. I can't express enough how grateful we are for the love and empathy you've shown our family," he asserted. He also paid tribute to his mother, an enduring monarch whose reign spanned 70 years.

That occasion was the decade's most viewed Christmas monarch's speech, accumulating 10.6 million viewers across BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV. In comparison, Queen Elizabeth II's final Christmas message in 2021 was viewed by 8.96 million viewers. The 2020 royal address brought in a remarkable 24 million viewers.

"Strictly" had an average audience of 5.4 million last year, which implies a decline of 100,000 viewers for this year.

Related content
© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.