Kate Middleton gave a subtle but very clear nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II as she hosted a special Christmas carol service in her memory at the end of last week.
After coming in for loads of praise from viewers thanks to her appearance at the Together at Christmas event last year, when she backed singer Tom Walker on the piano, for a performance of his track For Those Who Can't Be Here. Kate, the new Princess of Wales, has taken on hosting duties once again this year as she and husband Prince William welcome guests to Westminster Abbey.
The special service, also attended by King Charles and his wife and Queen Consort Camilla, took place on Thursday, the same day that the final three episodes of Meghan and Harry's Netflix's documentary were released and will air on ITV on Christmas Eve. Prior to the event, Kate vowed to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, who died at the age of 96 in September.
And, she's been true to her word. While viewers will have to wait until Saturday to see if any readings or speeches are given in the Queen's honour, during the service, pictures have been leaked off a firm gesture in her memory from inside the church. One of the focal points of the service, other tan its carols, was the huge Christmas tree inside the iconic Abbey and among the decorations filling iys branches were little Paddington Bears.
The nation watched on as the Queen sat down for a spot of tea with the famous character, in a heartwarming sketch that kicked off the Platinum Party at the Palace for her Jubilee in June and, after her death a few months ago, Paddington teddies were left among the many tributes to the long serving monarch, as well as a few marmalade sandwiches.
Spearheaded by Kate and supported by The Royal Foundation, the carol service will celebrate and showcase the joy that human connection can bring: forging friendships and strengthening communities, creating legacies of humility and kindness, whilst also providing relief and comfort in times of difficulty or loss. The service will combine both traditional and modern elements, reaching people of all faiths and none
*Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will air on ITV on Christmas Eve at 7pm.
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