The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, became the unexpected star of his mother's annual Christmas carol service yesterday, charming the public with his sweet handwritten message.
A Festive Display of Kindness
Outside Westminster Abbey on December 5, a towering Christmas tree was adorned with a long, red paper chain. This 'Kindness Tree' featured hundreds of messages and names, including those of the three Wales children. Prince Louis, aged seven, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, ten, all added their own named ribbons to the festive display.
It was the handwriting of the youngest royal, however, that particularly captivated onlookers and online fans. Observers noted that while his older siblings used cursive script, Louis's contribution was written in a clear, printed style, a detail that many found endearing.
A Star-Studded Event Focused on Family
The event marked the Princess of Wales's fifth 'Together at Christmas' carol service. It featured a host of celebrity guests, including actress Kate Winslet and singer Katie Melua, alongside readings from Prince William, Winslet, and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Despite the glittering attendee list, it was the young royals who captured the spotlight. Princess Catherine was seen warmly greeting her children, placing her hands on their shoulders after they added their ribbons to the tree. Prince George and Louis looked smart in dark suits and green ties, with their hair neatly combed.
Fans online were quick to draw comparisons, with some noting Louis's 'smart and sophisticated' appearance resembled his grandfather, King Charles III, particularly his preference for double-breasted suits. Many others described him as Catherine's 'mini me', sharing photographs of the pair at similar ages.
Family Support and Notable Absences
The Princess's own family, including her parents Michael and Carole Middleton and her brother James Middleton, attended the service in support. However, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, despite being personally invited by Catherine, did not attend due to prior commitments.
The invitation to the York princesses was seen as an effort to maintain family unity this Christmas amidst the ongoing scandals surrounding their father, Prince Andrew. Princess Eugenie took to social media to express her regret, posting a message of support alongside a picture of the service's programme on a Christmas tree branch.
The hour-long service, which celebrated 'the power of reaching out', faced a last-minute change when singer Hannah Waddingham pulled out due to voice issues. Singer Zak Abel performed 'Silent Night' in her place.
In a letter distributed to guests, the Princess of Wales praised the community stalwarts present, telling them they make an 'extraordinary difference to the lives of others'. She emphasised the festive season as a time that 'invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another'.
The event in London was complemented by 15 community carol services held across the UK, from Armagh to Worcestershire, all sharing the theme of love and togetherness and supported by The Royal Foundation.
