Reality television star Zara McDermott embraced the festive season alongside her parents on Friday evening, attending the Princess of Wales's annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
A Star-Studded Festive Gathering
The event, now in its fifth year and known as Together at Christmas, saw a host of celebrities and community figures gather for a service celebrating 'the power of reaching out' and 'love in all its forms'. Guests included acclaimed actors like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, singer Katie Melua, and celebrity chef Dame Mary Berry.
Zara McDermott, the 28-year-old former Love Island contestant, looked chic for the occasion. She wore a stylish red and brown scarf paired with a large black trench coat. In photographs later shared on her Instagram, she was seen posing with her mother and father beneath the famed archways of the historic abbey.
Alongside the images, she penned a heartfelt caption: 'The most gorgeous and special evening being able to attend the Carol Service at Westminster Abbey hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales... And I’m so grateful to have shared this evening with two of the most special people in my life, my mum and dad.'
Royal Family Makes a United Appearance
The service marked a significant public appearance for the Wales family. It was the first time they have been seen together in public since Trooping the Colour in June. The Princess of Wales warmly greeted guests and cracked jokes with celebrities ahead of the ceremony.
She was joined by her husband, Prince William, and their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. The young princes arrived looking smart in suits, while Charlotte wore a black velvet dress with a white collar. The siblings added red ribbons to a tree at the front of the abbey alongside their father.
During the hour-long service, which began at 5pm, Prince William, Kate Winslet, and Chiwetel Ejiofor all delivered readings. Kate Winslet's reading was personally penned for the event, inspired by the theme of 'Love'. She was invited by the royal's staff to contribute and was seen in conversation with the Princess before the service began.
Notable Moments and Absences
While the abbey was filled with notable figures, there were some last-minute changes. Singer Hannah Waddingham was forced to pull out due to issues with her voice. Furthermore, although invited, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were unable to attend due to prior commitments, though they were reportedly touched by the invitation.
The event successfully blended royal tradition with contemporary celebrity, focusing on community spirit and festive goodwill. For Zara McDermott and her family, it was clearly a memorable highlight of the Christmas season, shared in the iconic setting of Westminster Abbey.
