The Princess of Wales led a nationwide tribute to those supporting the early years at her annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening.
Surrounded by her family—with the Prince of Wales bringing Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in his carol service debut arriving after Catherine—the royal fêted the early years and those who go above and beyond supporting young people in the United Kingdom.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe wider Royal Family turned up in support of the Princess of Wales, too, with various members from the Edinburgh, Princess Royal, York, Gloucester and Kent branches attending the service, as well as Catherine’s Middleton relations.
The King and Queen had previous commitments and were unable to attend the carol service this year, though they have attended in the past.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmong the musical performers at this year’s carol service were Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight, Freya Ridings, James Bay and Jacob Collier.
Collier reportedly played George Michael’s Christmas hit ‘Last Christmas’ on John Lennon’s piano, with Catherine having been lent the piano by George Michael’s estate. Lambert and Knight performed a duet of ‘The Christmas Song’ and the Westminster Abbey Choir joined in the performances as well.
Prince William delivered a reading, as did Jim Broadbent, Roman Kemp, Michael War, and Emma Willis. The Children’s Laureate wrote a poem commissioned especially for the carol service, which was read by Leonie Elliot.
Among the 1,500 guests were representatives of early years charities and organisations, carers, parents, midwives, nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers, and educators. There were also families and children in attendance who had had difficult times this year and who had been nominated for invitations through charities related to Catherine.
The Princess of Wales shared a message on the Kensington Palace social media accounts after the carol service: “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our special carol service, Together at Christmas.
“From the performers whose voices filled Westminster Abbey, to the early years workforce of carers, midwives, nurses and so many more who are not only making a difference to children today but also shaping a happier, healthier world in the future.”
Together at Christmas airs on Christmas Eve on ITV.
