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The Christmas tradition established by the Princess of Wales that has quickly become a firm favourite

The Princess of Wales has started a festive celebration that is now firmly cemented as part of the Royal Family’s Christmas. It’s the Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. And now, at the end of a year described by her husband as brutal, Catherine will close on a festive high with another special concert.

The Princess of Wales held her first Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2021. Billed as a way to thank those who went above and beyond for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine brought together people from all over the United Kingdom for a special service that was televised on ITV on Christmas Eve.

Ahead of that first event, Catherine said, “Above all, it’s about celebrating the goodwill, the acts of kindness, love, empathy, and compassion to help people come through these difficult times.”

The Princess of Wales brings together communities to celebrate Christmas at special carol services
(Photo Credit: Kensington Palace)

The service in 2022 paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and recognised community leaders throughout the United Kingdom, while the 2023 event focused on the importance of supporting young people across the country.

In 2024, the focus will be on love and empathy and how everyone needs other people, especially during the hardest times in their lives. The Princess of Wales hopes to shine a spotlight on all those who have shown love, empathy and kindness to others in their community. The central message will be that love is the greatest gift anyone can receive.

Catherine’s Together at Christmas service is becoming a beloved tradition, a way to look back at the people who are the pillars of their communities and to celebrate all faiths and none in an inclusive event. And in 2024, as in 2023, regional services are also being held across the UK to bring together more people.

The Princess of Wales will host her fourth annual Christmas Carol service on December 6th 2024.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS is now available.