The Prince and Princess of Wales, in addition to other members of the Royal Family, will be in full force at the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Supported by The Royal Foundation, the service, which is spearheaded by the Princess is a moment to bring the nation together during Christmas and to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year. The service is linked to the Princess of Wales’s Shaping Us Campaign, which aims to bring awareness to the critical importance of a child’s early years and how they shape them into the adults they become.
In addition to recognising those who have made an impact during the year, the service will also showcase the hope of new life. It will focus on why building nurturing and supportive worlds around children and the adults in their lives is so important.
The service will bring modern and traditional elements to include people of all faiths and none at the world-famous church. The Westminster Abbey choir will perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols in addition to performances from artists like Freya Ridings and James Bay. Adam Lambert is slated to perform a special duet with Beverley Knight.
Viewers at home and those in Westminster Abbey will hear poignant readings from many speakers including Roman Kemp, Jim Broadbent, and of course, the Prince of Wales. Joseph Coelho has commissioned a special poem for the occasion, ‘The Children’s Laureate’, and that is scheduled to be read by Leonie Elliott.
Additional content will be incorporated into the service when it is broadcast on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve. That includes an introduction from the Princess of Wales and films that focus on the importance of early childhood. They will highlight the people in our communities who support the youngest members of society. This will include contributions from Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.
The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with sustainable and eco-friendly holiday decorations focusing on the theme of children and families. A new feature for this year’s service will be the Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey. Children will be able to drop off handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to those who may be struggling this year. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to Christmas songs and carols from the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir. The choir is made up of 12 young carers with the youngest being just six-years-old.
Guests in attendance were nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation in addition to charities associated with members of the Royal Family.