The Princess of Wales will honour the late Duchess of Kent at her upcoming carol concert at Westminster Abbey. Kensington Palace confirmed that the festive service will take place on Friday 5 December, and will include a poignant nod to the Duchess, who died on 4 September at the age of 92. Young performers from Future Talent, the charity she co-founded, will serenade guests before the service begins.
Future Talent supports musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds. The Duchess, who was married to the Duke of Kent for 64 years, was a passionate music lover and former music teacher. The tribute underscores shared interests between the Wales and Kent families, including music and tennis.
This year's concert, the fifth hosted by Kate, celebrates love in all its forms – within families, friendships, and communities. Celebrity guests including Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith of Bastille, Kate Winslet, and Chiwetel Ejiofor will take part in readings or musical performances. The Westminster Abbey choir will perform beloved carols, and horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will create natural displays outside the Abbey.
As in previous years, fifteen 'Together at Christmas' community carol services will be held across the UK, supported by Kate and Prince William's Royal Foundation. The Duchess of Kent, who retired from royal life in 2002 and taught at a primary school in Hull, was remembered for her warmth and compassion, notably comforting tennis player Jana Novotná at Wimbledon in 1993.
