The Princess of Wales is making final preparations for her Christmas carol service with Kensington Palace releasing details of the letter she has written to all 1,600 guests arriving at Westminster Abbey for the event.
They are promised a star studded celebration of the festive season as music will be provided by Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff and Katie Melua.
There is also a poignant performance set for the very start of the gathering. As guests, including members of the Royal Family arrive, they will hear music from Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the Duchess of Kent, to support musically gifted children from low income backgrounds will be playing as guests approach the Abbey.
However, the big musical turn will come from folk group, Fishermen’s Friends, who hail from Cornwall.
Kate is now Duchess of Cornwall although she doesn’t use the title. William automatically became Duke of Cornwall when he became heir to the throne on September 8 2022 on the accession of King Charles III. The title has been given to the heir to the English throne for centuries.
Prince William will also be involved in this year’s Together at Christmas. The Prince will give a reading at the service which takes love as its theme for 2025.
Other speakers at Together at Christmas include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé, Joe Locke and Kate Winslet.
The 1,600 guests at the Abbey will also receive a letter written by the Princess of Wales in which she talks of the importance of love in all its forms.
In the letter, signed as simply Catherine, the Princess says ”at its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways. Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.”
She continues ”these simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong. Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together.”
The Princess of Wales always places great importance on decorating the Abbey for her Christmas service and this year the inside will feature wreaths made by the Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett.
Outside, a host of native British trees, interspersed with foliage, is being designed for the Abbey by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth.
Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and seven year old Prince Louis are expected to join their parents for the service which is being held on December 5.
It will be broadcast on ITV on December 24.
