Last night, members of the Royal Family gathered in full force as they attended The Princess of Wales’ carol service at Westminster Abbey.
The service was a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK, and was a moment for the wider Royal Family to come together.
The Wales’ attended this year’s carol service at Westminster Abbey. (Westminster Abbey)
The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – for the festive service. This year marked the second time that George and Charlotte have attended the service, but the first time Louis as attended ‘Together at Christmas’.
Before the service, the royal children placed a Christmas card in the letter box outside the Abbey. The cards will then be distributed to other children who might be struggling this year.
According to reports, the Wales children wrote their own cards.
Prince William and Kate with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
The Duchess of Edinburgh made a solo appearance at the service, without her husband and two children, as did Princess Eugenie, while Princess Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edo, and step-son, Christopher ‘Wolfie’ (Edo’s first child from a previous relationship).
Zara Tindall, Peter Philips and his two children – Savannah and Isla – were also seen entering the Abbey together.
Princess Beatrice, Edo and Wolfie arrive at the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster 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; Prince Michael of Kent; Lady Gabriella Kingston; Freddie and Sophie Windsor with their daughters, Maud and Isabella; and Daniel and Sarah Chatto with son ___.
The Princess of Wales’ family were also present, including her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her sister and brother-in-law, Pippa and James Matthews.
The service acted as a celebration of Christmas highlighting the importance of building supportive, nurturing environments for young children and the adults in their lives.
Amongst the 1,500 guests were midwives, health visitors, volunteers and nursery teachers, reflecting Catherine’s own personal interest in, and support of, the early years. These people have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year. Children and families who have faced a challenging year, and those who might find the winter period difficult were also part of the congregation.
‘Together at Christmas’ is now in its third year having proven a success amongst royal watchers and viewers when broadcast on Christmas Eve.
There was also a range of famous faces among the Congregation, including Roman Kemp (who is a Shaping Us ambassador), documentary producer Zara McDermott, another ambassador, and actress Sheila Hancock.
This evening’s festivities featured a surprise piano performance from Catherine, who will treat guests to a rendition of Last Christmas by Wham! Kate played the piano during 2021’s service when she accompanied singer Tom Walker.
The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who welcomed the congregation to the Abbey and also gave a reflection.
There were performances by Beverley Knight & Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, James Bay, and Freya Ridings & the Soul Sanctuary Choir. Readings were given by The Prince of Wales, and actors Michael Ward, Jim Broadbent and Leonie Elliot.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our special carol service, Together at Christmas.
From the performers whose voices filled Westminster Abbey, to the early years workforce of carers, midwives, nurses and so many more who are not only making a difference to children… pic.twitter.com/JxTFfabG0x
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 8, 2023
The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist, and before the service by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.
The service, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
