British singer Katie Melua turned heads with a radically different appearance at the Princess of Wales' annual festive carol service on Friday evening. The 41-year-old musician, known for her signature brunette bob, unveiled a striking new bleach blonde hairstyle at the 'Together At Christmas' event held at Westminster Abbey.
A Star-Studded Royal Affair
The service, personally orchestrated by Princess Catherine, was a glittering occasion filled with celebrities, sports stars, and community heroes. Melua was in high spirits as she met the Princess, who herself looked elegant in a dark green coat. The event, now in its third year, aims to provide a moment to reflect on the values of love, compassion, and community during the festive season.
Melua's transformation was complete with her new blonde locks styled in a sleek high bun. She chose a sophisticated all-white ensemble for the evening, pairing a pretty long dress with a coordinated fur jacket and burgundy boots. The singer, who welcomed her first child, a son named Sandro, in 2022, beamed as she arrived at the historic abbey.
Royal Family and Last-Minute Changes
The Princess of Wales was joined by her immediate family, with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 all in attendance, continuing their tradition from the previous year. Prince William also participated, delivering a reading during the hour-long service which celebrated 'the power of reaching out'.
Other notable guests included actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and singer Griff, who were set to perform alongside Melua and the group Fisherman's Friends. However, the event saw a last-minute change when actress and singer Hannah Waddingham was forced to pull out due to vocal issues stemming from an exhausting filming schedule. She was due to perform the carol 'In The Bleak Midwinter'.
Inside Westminster Abbey, the atmosphere was magical, with trees decorated in fairy lights and poinsettias. Outside, the area had been transformed into a winter wonderland for the arriving guests, who also included celebrity chef Dame Mary Berry and leading sportswomen.
Celebrating Community Heroes
A core focus of the 'Together At Christmas' service was to highlight remarkable individuals from across the UK who have shown exceptional kindness and support within their communities. The event served as a tribute to these unsung heroes, honouring 'love in all its forms'.
While Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were invited, both were unable to attend due to prior commitments, though they were reportedly touched to have received the invitation. The carol service, a highlight of the royal festive calendar, successfully blended celebrity glamour with a heartfelt celebration of community spirit and the true meaning of Christmas.
