The Princess of Wales has dedicated a star-studded Christmas carol service to the late Queen, paying tribute to her “incredible legacy” which “deeply inspired many of us”.
Photos give a sneak peek at the festive concert given to more than 1,800 people at Westminster Abbey last Thursday, which is due to air on ITV on Christmas Eve.
Kate attended along with other members of the royal family including the Prince of Wales, their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and the King and Queen Consort - as the event took place hours after the final part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s controversial documentary dropped on Netflix.
Among performers at the service were the Westminster Abbey choir, singer Craig David, and Alfie Boe and Melanie C who sang a duet.
The Prince of Wales and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas delivered readings, while actor Hugh Bonneville read an extract from Paddington’s Christmas Post.
Introducing the programme in a message pre-recorded earlier this month Kate, who spearheaded the service with support from The Royal Foundation, said she was “thrilled” to return to the abbey for a second year.
“This Christmas will be our first without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” she said.
“Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.
“This year, we’ve invited hundreds of inspiring individuals to the service.
“Those who showcase the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition of recognising and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.
“Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us.”
Kate dedicated the service to the Queen and to “all those who are sadly no longer with us”.
“So, whilst Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared,” she added.
“Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special.”
The Christmas Eve broadcast will be narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones.
It will also show Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, receiving a letter from Kate thanking her for the care she provides to families and children attending the school amid the conflict in their home country.
In the letter dated November 18, Kate praises the school as a “lifeline for the whole community” and said she had been struck by their “courage and sense of togetherness during such a challenging time”, inviting Ms Hryhorovych and the school choir to sing a carol at the service.
A Christmas tree in the abbey was decorated with small Paddington Bear decorations, a nod to the late Queen’s famous sketch, while guests were greeted with atmospheric snowflakes from a snow machine as they arrived at the entrance.
Narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will air at 7pm on Christmas Eve on ITV1.
