King Charles pays tribute to his late mother the queen, makes no mention of Harry and Meghan in first Christmas address

King Charles III evoked memories Sunday of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as he broadcast his first Christmas message as monarch in a speech that also paid tribute to the "selfless dedication" of Britain's public service workers, many of whom are in a fight with the government over pay.

Charles, 74, also empathized in the prerecorded message with people struggling to make ends meet "at a time of great anxiety and hardship." Like some other parts of the world, the U.K. is wrestling with high inflation that has caused a cost-of-living crisis for many households.

The king's first remarks, however, recalled his mother, who died in September at age 96 after 70 years on the throne.