Tonight, members of the Royal Family gathered en mass to attend The Princess of Wales’ fourth carol service at Westminster Abbey.
‘Together at Christmas’ is one of the Princess’ few public engagements this year, following her cancer diagnosis in March. In a moving video message broadcast in September, the Princess said her journey with cancer isn’t over yet and her ‘path to healing and full recovery is long’ and she must take each day as it comes, but is ‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months’.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, and other Members of the Royal Family attend the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
For the occasion, The Princess of Wales was joined by their three children – George, Charlotte and Louis. It marks the second time that all three children have attended ‘Together at Christmas’, with Louis making his debut last year while George and Charlotte first participated the year before.
Red was the predominant color among the Wales family, with George and Louis wearing matching red ties, Charlotte and Catherine in red coats, and William sporting a red-spotted tie.
Upon their arrival, the young royals placed special messages outside the abbey on a ‘kindness tree’. A close up of Louis’ message could be seen, with the Prince taking the opportunity to thank his ‘Granny and Grandpa’ for all that they do.
The Wales’ at Together at Christmas carol service.(Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Like last year, The Duchess of Edinburgh made a solo appearance at the service, without her husband and two children. Princess Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edo, and step-son, Christopher ‘Wolfie’ (Edo’s first child from a previous relationship). Beatrice and Edo are expecting their second baby together in the new year. Zara Tindall was also in attendance and joined Beatrice and Edo in arriving at the Abbey.
Other Members of the Royal Family there included: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; Lady Rose and George Gilman; The Duke of Kent; Lady Helen Taylor; Earl of St Andrews; Lady Marina Charlotte Windsor; Prince and Princess Michael of Kent; Lady Gabriella Kingston; Freddie and Sophie Windsor with their daughters, Maud and Isabella; and Sarah Chatto with her sons Daniel and Samuel.
The Princess of Wales’ family also joined the festivities, including her parents, her brother, James Middleton and his wife, and her sister and brother-in-law, Pippa and James Matthews.
Prior to the Service and royals arriving, The Princess of Wales greeted performers. When speaking to Paloma Faith, she revealed that this time last-year she ‘didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had’.
As with previous years, this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service had a theme. The service celebrated individuals who have supported those in need — people who inspire, counsel, and comfort, demonstrating that love is the greatest gift we can offer one another.
Drawing perhaps from her personal journey, the Princess highlighted the significance of love and empathy in her message to attendees. She called for “love, not fear” and reflected on how Christmas is “a time for celebration and joy,” offering an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper connections that unite us.
Among the Congregation, there was a number of famous faces including Hannah Waddingham (who has been a supported of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize in the last couple of years), Richard E. Grant, Charlotte Hawkins and Tom & Giovanni Fletcher.
The Princess of Wales hosted her fourth Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
The carol service saw some of the nation’s most beloved carols being sung, alongside musical performances by including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper. There was also a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan.
Guests will also watch a special performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School. There were also a series of readings throughout the service, including one delivered by the Prince of Wales.
The service, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
