Ahead of the holiday season, the Duchess of Cambridge helped to spread some festive cheer as she hosted a carol service with members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey.
The Together at Christmas Community Carol Service was spearheaded by the Duchess as a way to say ‘thank you’ to people across the United Kingdom who have supported their communities during the global health crisis. Those in attendance included people from organisations that have a royal patron. Also on the guest list were individuals the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with during recent engagements and those who work in areas The Royal Foundation focuses on. Armed forces personnel involved in the evacuation from Afghanistan, young carers, and faith leaders were also in attendance.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “The service will provide a moment for the nation to come together and reflect, to think not only of the extraordinary challenges that we have faced, but also to celebrate the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across our nation, the communities pulling together to protect and care for those in need, and those who have stepped up to help others.”
The service, designed to encompass people of all faiths and none, featured carols sung by the Westminster Abbey Choir. Among the choir, pop singers Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding performed, and poet and writer Lemn Sissay performed a piece To The Day, which was created specifically for the service. In addition, the Duke of Cambridge took the floor for a reading, as did British Paralympian and junior doctor Kim Daybell and UK TV presenter Kate Garraway.
Airing on ITV on Christmas Eve, the televised event will feature an introduction from the Duchess of Cambridge and videos highlighting organisations efforts during the global health crisis.
In the programme for the concert, the Duchess wrote: “We have lost loved ones, seen out frontline workers placed under immeasurable pressure, and we have experienced heart-wrenching isolation from those we hold most dear.
“Alongside this, we have seen how communities have come together to support those most in need. And through our separation from others, we have been reminded just how powerful human connection is to us all. Just how much we need one another. And how loving and feeling a sense of belonging to one another can provide comfort in tough times. The importance of simply being together.”
As a way to support the Duchess, Her Majesty The Queen carried out official duties at Windsor Castle. The monarch donated some Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to help decorate the Abbey. Wreaths were also donated by the Royal Horticultural Society and will be donated to local schools following the event.
