Princess of Wales joined by family as she hosts annual Christmas carol service
By Kathy Rose O’Brien, CNN
London (CNN) — Britain’s royals are getting into the Christmas spirit after attending the Princess of Wales’ annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening.
It was Catherine’s fourth “Together at Christmas” carol service, which was themed around love and empathy this year.
Kate, 42, was joined by her husband, Prince William, and their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis. Outside the historic abbey, the youngsters stopped by a “Kindness Tree” to hang messages in honor of someone in their lives who has supported them.
Kate, looking radiant in a red coat adorned with a large black bow and black buttons, arrived at the London landmark ahead of her family. She was met by clergy before heading inside and chatting with some of the performers and celebrities participating in the service as well as guests.
The abbey was decorated with festive wreaths complete with red ribbons for the 1,600-strong congregation, as well as Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park donated by King Charles III.
The service highlighted extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated love, kindness and empathy within their communities.
During the festive gathering, there were readings from British actors Sophie Okonedo, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant, who read an extract from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
The Prince of Wales and the Olympic gold medal swimmer Adam Peaty delivered readings.
The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, and featured carols sung by the Westminster Abbey choir. There were also musical performances by guests including breakout British singer-songerwriter Olivia Dean, American musician Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the battles that led to the end of the World War II, and five veterans involved in these campaigns attended the service on behalf of the Royal British Legion. A candle was lit by D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, a codebreaker who landed on Gold Beach on June 6, 1944.
Ahead of the carol concert, Kate penned a moving letter about love and empathy which was included with the order of service given to everyone attending. The princess wrote about vulnerability and empathy and how “in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”
She noted that “above all else” the Christmas story “encourages us to turn to love, not fear.”
Acknowledging, perhaps, the challenges she and her family have faced since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, the princess wrote that “love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”
The front cover of the order of service was designed by British artist Charlie Mackesy. The illustration featured a group of people embracing each other as they stroll toward Westminster Abbey in the snow. Underneath is the question: “How did I help?” and the answer: “You were by my side. Which was everything.”
The Westminster Abbey event will be aired on television in the UK on Christmas Eve as part of a special program titled, “Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.”
Kate has been gradually returning to public engagements over the past few months. This week, she joined her husband in welcoming the Emir of Qatar to the UK during his state visit.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Max Foster and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed reporting.
