The Prince and Princess of Wales brought festive cheer to the heart of London on Friday, hosting their much-loved annual carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event, named Together at Christmas, saw the royal couple and their three children join a congregation of around 1,600 guests, including famous faces and local community champions.
A Royal Tradition of Togetherness
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, presided over the service at the historic abbey where she married Prince William in 2011. Before the ceremony began, she warmly greeted performers and readers, including acclaimed actress Kate Winslet and singer Katie Melua. Speaking to Dan Smith, the lead singer of Bastille, the Princess revealed that the event has become a cherished family tradition, noting, “They’re really excited, it’s become such a tradition.”
Family Moments and Symbolic Gestures
Prince William later arrived with their children: Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis. Before entering, the family paused at a special "Connection Tree" adorned with paper chains bearing the names of attendees. In a symbolic act highlighting the theme of unity, the young princes and princess added their own names to the tree, emphasising the importance of community bonds during the festive season.
Celebrating Community Heroes
The service was designed to honour individuals from across the United Kingdom who have made significant contributions to their communities. It specifically recognised those who have dedicated time to volunteering, launched initiatives to bring people together, or simply offered a helping hand to neighbours. This focus on grassroots altruism formed the emotional core of the Together at Christmas carol service, blending celebrity attendance with a celebration of everyday kindness.
The event successfully combined royal patronage, celebrity performances, and a powerful message of communal love and connection, marking another memorable chapter in the Princess of Wales's festive initiatives.
