Catherine, The Princess of Wales, was back at Westminster Abbey this evening with her special Christmas Carol Service ‘Together At Christmas’. Since 2021, Princess Kate has been hosting this special Christmas celebration with a different theme every year and it has become a special Christmas tradition for the Princess of Wales. This year, the service will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings.
The Princess of Wales arrives for this year’s Royal carol service at Westminster Abbey.
📸Contains flashing images.
⁰#RoyalCarols#TogetherAtChristmas pic.twitter.com/LKqPeI0MQ3— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) December 8, 2023
Catherine was joined by her husband, Prince William, and the members of the Royal Family. The service was a combination of traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none.
The Princess of Wales has arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of her Together at Christmas carol service. pic.twitter.com/92XCyTGu9w
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 8, 2023
Spearheaded by the Princess, and supported by the Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year. Linked to Princes Kate’s ‘Shaping Us’ campaign, the service showcased the hope of new life and why it is so important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives.
The service at Westminster Abbey was filled with sustainable, Eco-friendly festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop, nodding to the theme of children and families. New features this year include a Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other children who might be struggling this year.
Guests attending the service were nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation, in addition to charities associated with members of the Royal Family. They were joined by those working in the early years space which is a key focus area of the Princess of Wales’s work through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Some children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult were also invited along with inspiring individuals and families from all corners of the UK, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers.
Tonight’s carol service with @earlychildhood is a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK, celebrating the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings. pic.twitter.com/Keavo6kcUq
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 8, 2023
The world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir performed some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert. The Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent gave the readings. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, was also read by Leonie Elliott.
After the service, The Christmas cards received will be distributed to a number of children’s charities following the service including Evelina London, British Red Cross, Child Bereavement UK, and East Anglia Children’s Hospice. The Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir was set up in 2017 and sees children and young people from Wales, aged six to 19, come together for a deeper purpose as every member is a young carer who helps look after a member of their family. The charity protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. The Princess of Wales has been patron since 2019.
The event will be broadcast as part of ‘Royal Carols: Together At Christmas’, a special programme, airing at 7:45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve. The broadcast.
What The Princess of Wales wore to the 2023 ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service
- Chris Kerr White Coat – (Repeat – Visit to Wales February 2023)
- Kiltane Women’s Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper – (Repeat – February 2023)
- Holland Cooper Trousers – (New – Thanks to Middleton Maven)
- Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Earrings – (Repeat – February 2020 at BAFTA)
- Strathberry Bag ( New – Thanks to Middleton Maven)
- Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Bisque Pumps – (Repeat – March 2022)
