Archbishop Angaelos, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and papal legate to the UK, has attended a series of festive events with the King, including an advent service in Kings Cross in London and the carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey.

Although the contents of the monarch's message are always kept secret until Christmas Day, the Archbishop told Sky News he would be surprised if the King did not allude to his own faith and that of others because he knows "this matters to people", despite recent reports about dwindling congregations and a decline in religious worship.

The Archbishop said: "On the ground, we know that faith and religion, and belief, matter to people and so if the monarch knows that this matters to people I think he will address it.

"The King's language of blessing and Merry Christmas, his appreciation for the work of Christian communities and faith communities in the world, and the wider community at difficult times, it's all an indication that he's not shying away from faith.

"And, you know, I'm confident we will all be pleasantly satisfied [by his message]."

In recent weeks the Sussexes' Netflix documentary series and claims of racism at a palace event have increased scrutiny over how the Royal Family is addressing issues around diversity and inclusion.

Stressing the global anticipation around the King's first message, Archbishop Angaelos added: "I know that in his own mind His Majesty is going to be knowing we have an expectation, not just us as Britain or the Commonwealth but the whole world.

"And so he will be constantly measuring up what that expectation is with what he wants to say, who he is and what he's going to present...and I am sure he will be very authentic to himself."

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Last night Buckingham Palace released a photograph of the King, taken as he recorded his Christmas message inside St George's Chapel at Windsor where the Queen was buried in September this year.

For 70 years it was his mother who addressed the nation on Christmas Day and made it the famous Christmas tradition it has become for so many to sit and watch with their families.

Another tradition that the royals are returning to this year is spending the festive period at Sandringham in Norfolk.

For two years they did not go because of COVID restrictions, but once again this year crowds will be allowed inside the grounds to watch them walk to church.

Karen Anvil, who lives locally, and became famous for taking a photograph of William, Kate, Harry and Meghan in 2017 that ended up in all the newspapers, will be joining the queues with her daughter Rachel.

She told Sky News she cannot wait to have the royals back, especially after the death of the Queen and troubles with the Sussexes.

"With the sad news of the Queen we didn't think they'd be coming but they are sticking to tradition and who knows Prince Louis might be coming for the first time.

"I think it's going to be mixed emotions if I'm being totally honest with you" she said, but added: "I think people are on board with the royal family, supportive of this new royal family moving forward, and again us all coming together.

"It has been a difficult few years for lots of reasons, but we're just so glad there's going to be normality, they're back and we want them back".

The family will walk to St Mary Magdalene Church as usual on Christmas morning.

The King's message will be broadcast at the usual time of 3pm.