Princess Eugenie has publicly shared a message of support for the Princess of Wales after she and her sister, Princess Beatrice, were notably absent from the royal Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey. The event, known as 'Together at Christmas', was organised by Catherine, Princess of Wales, and attended by a host of celebrities and 1,600 guests.
Personal Invitations and Prior Commitments
It is understood that Princess Catherine personally invited her husband's cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to attend the star-studded service. The invitation was seen as a gesture to foster family unity this Christmas, particularly amidst the ongoing scandal surrounding their father, Prince Andrew. While both sisters, aged 37 and 35 respectively, were reportedly touched by the invitation, they had prior commitments that prevented their attendance.
Taking to social media, Princess Eugenie posted a heartfelt message alongside an image of the service's programme placed on a Christmas tree branch. She wrote: 'Wish Bea and I could have been celebrating tonight with our family. Wishing @princeandprincessofwales such a special evening at her incredible carol service. What an amazing message of love and hope.'
A History of Attendance and Family Solidarity
The absence was notable as both sisters have been regular attendees in previous years. Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have attended annually since the service's launch in 2021, often bringing Mr Mozzi's nine-year-old son, Christopher Woolf. Princess Eugenie has been present at the carol service in 2021, 2022, and 2023, sometimes accompanied by her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Royal commentator Neil Sean emphasised the significance of the personal invitations, stating: 'This is Catherine's project, and she has the final say... Above all, yes, the Royal Family wants to be seen as united amid what has been a very difficult year.' The gesture comes as Beatrice and Eugenie have retained their royal titles despite their father's fall from grace, with King Charles said to be keen to 'protect' his nieces.
A Star-Studded Evening of Celebration
The carol service itself was a glittering occasion. The Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of her family, with Prince William and their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—also in attendance. The hour-long event, celebrating 'the power of reaching out', featured readings from Prince William, actress Kate Winslet, and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Performances came from singers including Katie Melua and Griff, though actress Hannah Waddingham pulled out at the last minute due to voice issues. The service honoured community stalwarts from across the UK, with the Princess praising them in a letter for making an 'extraordinary difference to the lives of others'. She wrote that the festive season 'invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another', a sentiment echoed in Eugenie's public message of solidarity.
