The Princess of Wales will bring festive cheer to Westminster Abbey next week with the help of a slew of celebrity supporters.
With readings and performances by stars including Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Hannah Waddingham – and even wreaths made by Dame Mary Berry – Kate’s annual Together At Christmas carol service will start the royals’ seasonal celebrations in style.
Members of the Royal Family will join the princess at the event billed as a ‘celebration of love’ on Friday.
Prince William will give a reading and the couple are expected to be accompanied by their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and seven-year-old Prince Louis for the fifth annual event.
Spearheaded by the princess, and supported by her and William’s philanthropic arm, The Royal Foundation, the service will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – ‘love within families, through friendships, across communities, or powerful moments of kindness between strangers’.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The Royal Foundation Carol Service last year
There will be readings and performances by stars including Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Hannah Waddingham at Kate’s annual Together At Christmas carol service
In particular, the service will celebrate individuals from who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.
Encompassing people of all faiths and none, the service will see the Westminster Abbey choir sing carols, alongside musical performances from Ms Waddingham, Dan Smith of Bastille, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk music group Fisherman’s Friends.
The 1,600 guests will also enjoy a performance by young talent from Platinum Performing Arts, a community organisation based in Edmonton, North London.
Candles will be lit by those William and Kate have met in recent years and those involved in the service.
The Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett will also be donating wreaths for display inside Westminster Abbey. They have been made in partnership with schoolchildren and RHS supporters including Dame Mary Berry and comedian Tom Allen.
The event will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve, with a repeat on Christmas Day morning.
