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The Princess of Wales has revealed more about her upcoming Christmas carol concert, including the role her husband, Prince William, will play.
Now in its fifth year, Kate, 43, hopes to honour and thank people across the country who demonstrate love within their communities, helping to build a more connected and compassionate society.
The service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 5 December, will feature heartfelt readings centred on the themes of love, compassion and connection. Scheduled speakers include the Prince of Wales, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé and Joe Locke.
In addition to the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir, the evening will showcase musical performances by Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and the Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends. Guests will also be treated to a special appearance by young performers from Platinum Performing Arts, a community-focused organisation based in Edmonton, North London.
Around 15 community carol services — held in locations such as the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury, and a community farm in Gwent — are also planned across the UK, each reflecting the same theme of love and togetherness.
William will deliver a reаding at the service
Kensington Palace has confirmed that members of the royal family will be among the 1,600 guests, with William’s cousin Zara Tindall already announcing she will attend alongside her husband, Mike.
Others who have taken part in previous years include Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as the Princess of Wales’s parents and siblings.
The Duchess of Kent’s legacy
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with music from eight young performers aged 13 to 18 from Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to support musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds. They will perform as a brass ensemble formed especially for the occasion.
The late Duchess of Kent tаught music at a school in Hull
Katharine Worsley, who was married to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, passed away at the age of 92 on 4 September.
Including performers from her charity is especially meaningful given the Duchess’s legacy. Known for stepping back from royal duties to work as a music teacher under the name “Mrs. Kent” for more than a decade in Hull, she was deeply devoted to the idea that music should be available to everyone.
Transformation of the Abbey
Kensington Palace has also revealed details about the exterior decorations planned for Westminster Abbey on the night of the concert. Reflecting Kate’s love of nature, plantsman and horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will create a natural, festive setting outside the Abbey.
His design will feature a selection of British woodland trees sourced from Form Plants in Weybridge, complemented by fruits, berries and Christmas trees. In 2022, Jamie received a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show for his work with the mental health charity Place2Be, one of Kate’s patronages.
George, Charlotte and Louis usuаlly make an appearance
There will also be wreaths donated by the Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett, created in collaboration with RHS Ambassadors and schoolchildren, including Dame Mary Berry and Arit Anderson, as well as comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell.
Guests will also have the chance to attach their own named loop to a paper chain on the “Connection Tree,” supported by Hobbycraft, reflecting this year’s theme of togetherness and the value of moments that bring people closer.
Members of the royal fаmily will be in attendance
Attendees will also be offered mince pies donated by Fortnum & Mason, along with the chance to enjoy a hot chocolate after the service, provided by The Royal Foundation.
The Westminster Abbey service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat airing on Christmas Day.
