King Charles spoke about the importance of overcoming division and embracing cooperation in his Christmas address, highlighting the courage displayed during the Bondi terror attack as an example of collective resilience.
Amid rising feelings of uncertainty and social division, Charles emphasised the importance of coming together.
He started by recalling his historic meeting and joint prayer with Pope Leo — the first shared worship between an English monarch and a Catholic pontiff in nearly 500 years — describing it as a "historic moment of spiritual unity".
Referring to the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe Day (marking Nazi Germany's surrender ending World War Two) and Victory over Japan Day (which marked the day of Japan's formal World War Two surrender), Charles reflected on the contributions of the armed forces and said they carried a "timeless message for us all".
"These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth. As we hear of division, both at home and abroad, they are the values of which we must never lose sight," Charles said.
"In times of uncertainty, these ways of living are treasured by all the great faiths and provide us with deep wells of hope, of resilience in the face of adversity."
Acknowledging diversity in communities, Charles said the values of "compassion and reconciliation" need to be prioritised.
Reference to the Bondi terror attack
The speech also referred, in part, to those who sprung into action in response to the Bondi terror attack, which claimed 15 lives on 14 December.
As Charles spoke about the courage shown by veterans, humanitarian workers in conflict zones, and people who displayed "spontaneous bravery", instinctively placing themselves in harm's way to protect others, images of the memorial at Bondi Pavilion were shown on screen.
Many stories of bravery and sacrifice have surfaced since the mass shooting, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach.
Boris and Sofia Gurman were likely among the first killed. Dash cam footage appears to show the couple trying to disarm one of the suspected shooters before they were gunned down by alleged gunman Naveed Akram.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a tobacco shop owner, was wounded after he confronted and disarmed one of the alleged gunmen. He has undergone multiple surgeries, and has been visited by a string of top officials in hospital, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition leader Sussan Ley.
Earlier this week, Albanese announced heroes, first responders, medical staff and others who stepped up during the attack will be recognised in a special honours list next year.
"At the worst of times ... we see the best of the Australian character," Albanese said.
"We saw it with those who lost their lives tackling the terrorists as they embarked from the car. We saw it with those in police and emergency services rushing to assist people."
Charles finished his address by reflecting on shared values across religions and humanity, saying people are united by "a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life".
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