Illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: King Charles III, in his annual Christmas message, emphasized the growing need to protect the environment
• Standing next to a replantable Christmas tree, he reflected on the importance of sustainability, a theme that has been central to his public persona

🔭 The context: The King's Christmas message is a traditional and significant event in Britain, watched by millions
• Unlike his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues, and his speech is one of the few he writes himself, drawing keen interest from royal watchers

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Charles's focus on environmental protection during his first Christmas address as monarch underscores his continued commitment to conservation and climate change issues
• His efforts this year, including a speech at COP28 and launching a food waste project, highlight his ongoing advocacy

⏭️What's next: As King, Charles will likely continue to use his platform to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, balancing his role as a monarch with his long-standing interest in conservation

💬 One quote: "During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share" (King Charles III)

📈 One stat: This year's Christmas message was Charles's second since ascending to the throne in 2022, marking a new era in the British monarchy's engagement with current affairs and environmental issues

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change