Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will be absent from the Princess of Wales's annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey this evening, despite receiving a personal invitation from Catherine herself. The move was seen as an effort to present a united royal front during the festive season.
A Bid for Family Unity This Christmas
According to reports, the Princess of Wales personally reached out to her cousins-in-law, extending invitations to the star-studded 'Together at Christmas' event. The gesture was widely interpreted as a bid to help keep the Royal Family connected and united this Christmas, particularly amid the ongoing scandal surrounding their father, Prince Andrew.
Both princesses, aged 37 and 35 respectively, were said to be touched by the invitation. However, prior commitments have prevented them from joining the approximately 1,600 other guests and other family members at the service. Royal commentator Neil Sean confirmed the invitations came directly from Catherine's office, noting, "This is Catherine's project, and she has the final say."
The Service and Notable Absences
The Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey shortly after 4pm for last-minute checks and to greet guests. She was followed by a host of celebrities including Kate Winslet and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. Prince William and the couple's three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—were also in attendance for the hour-long service celebrating 'the power of reaching out'.
The event, however, faced a last-minute change. Singer Hannah Waddingham, of Ted Lasso fame, was forced to pull out due to vocal issues from an exhausting filming schedule. She was due to sing 'In The Bleak Midwinter' but has been replaced by Zak Abel, who will perform 'Silent Night'.
Other performers include Katie Melua, Fisherman's Friends, and Griff, while readings will be given by William, Winslet, and Ejiofor. Celebrity chef Dame Mary Berry, who created a Christmas wreath on display, is also among the guests.
Context of the Invitation and Royal Dynamics
The invitation to Beatrice and Eugenie comes against a complex backdrop. Their father, Prince Andrew, was stripped of his last remaining military titles and royal patronages in late October, following the publication of his accuser Virginia Giuffre's memoirs and the release of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Andrew has vehemently denied Giuffre's allegations.
Despite this, the York sisters have retained their own royal titles and have continued with their charitable duties. King Charles is said to be keen to 'protect' his nieces, and both were pictured at separate charity events in London last month.
The carol service also honours community stalwarts from across the UK. In a letter to guests, the Princess of Wales praised their efforts, writing that the festive season "invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another" and that their compassion "make[s] an extraordinary difference to the lives of others."
