The Princess of Wales has welcomed the Royal Family to Westminster Abbey for her second ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was at the forefront of everyone’s minds during the ceremony, with her lifetime of duty and service recognised by her family and the wider community, many of whom had been invited specifically for their service to their own communities.
Catherine and William were joined by two of their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, while King Charles and Queen Camilla were the chief royal guests.
Other members of the Royal Family in attendance included the Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, Zara and Mike Tindall, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Princess Alexandra, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, Lady Gabriella and Tom Kingston, and Lady Sarah Chatto.
During the service, Prince William paid special tribute to his late grandmother by reading an extract of her Christmas message from 2012. According to Westminster Abbey, William 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.”
The service was led by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster; musical performers included Alfie Boe, Melanie C, Samantha Barks, Craig David, Alexis Ffrench and the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Choir.
After the service, Kensington Palace shared on social media: “Thank you to everyone who has helped make #TogetherAtChristmas so special, it was fantastic to celebrate inspiring individuals and outstanding organisations with you all.”
‘Together at Christmas’ will air on Christmas Eve on ITV.
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