In his speech, Charles quoted lines from Burnt Norton, part of Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot, invoking “the still point of the turning world” as he called for spiritual calm and reflection.
The literary reference also drew criticism from commentators who said it felt disconnected from the “real-life” and “very un-poetic” turmoil surrounding the royal family.
“The literary references were carefully chosen and reflective,” one royal aide said. “But for many listeners, they felt detached from the very real issues dominating public discussion, at a moment when institutional trust depends on clear acknowledgment rather than symbolism.”
Andrew’s spectacular fall has been one of the defining challenges of Charles’ reign so far. In 2025, the King took the unprecedented step of formally removing his brother’s titles, evicting him from his grace-and-favor residence and excluding him from official royal duties.
Those moves were widely praised as an attempt to draw a clear line between the monarchy and Andrew’s actions. Even so, the absence of any reference in the Christmas speech has left observers divided.
“The King has demonstrated that he can take tough decisions,” a former royal adviser said. “But leadership also requires confronting uncomfortable truths publicly, and for many observers, that opportunity has now passed.”
