The Prince of Wales has read some of Queen Elizabeth II’s most famous words at the Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Prince William read from Her Late Majesty’s 2012 speech, given at the end of what had been a very special year for the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II had marked her Diamond Jubilee while the eyes of the world had turned to London for the Olympics soon afterwards. News that the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expecting their first baby, a future monarch, cemented the year for the Windsors.
The Prince of Wales read ”‘At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child. From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.’
He continued’ ‘This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only Son to serve, not to be served.”
And he ended with the concluding remarks of that famous speech, saying ”The carol, ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: ‘What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part’. The carol gives the answer, ‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.
It was followed by a piano rendition of the carol by Alexis Ffrench. As he played, images of Her Late Majesty were projected on to the top of the piano in another moving tribute.
William appeared moved as the music continued while the Countess of Wessex looked close to tears.
The reading came after a special tribute from some of the UK’s biggest stars to Her Late Majesty. Dame Judi Dench and Ashley Banjo were among those recalling how important her Christmas broadcast had been throughout her seventy year reign.
Queen Elizabeth II’s voice once more rang out around Westminster Abbey as excerpts from some of her most famous festive broadcasts were played at the service.
This year’s ”Together at Christmas”, organised by the Princess of Wales, was dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
