Kate Middleton’s emotional Christmas message: Princess of Wales describes how the arrival of every baby is a ‘precious and memorable time’ as she thanks those who help children feel ‘safe and loved’ ahead of star-studded Together At Christmas carol service
Kate will thank everyone who helps young children feel safe, valued and loved this Christmas in a video clip introducing the Together At Christmas event.
The Princess of Wales, 41, hosted the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, along with members of the royal family and a handful of famous faces.
Princes William, George and Louis and Princess Charlotte arrived at the venue with Kate, and the youngest royal once again stole the show by blowing out the candles he and his siblings were holding.
Also in attendance were Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who was accompanied by his daughters Isla and Savannah.
The 1,500 guests included midwives, kindergarten teachers and volunteers from the baby bank.
Kate Middleton will thank everyone who helps young children feel safe, valued and loved this Christmas in a video clip introducing the Together At Christmas event
The Princess of Wales, 41, hosted the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, along with members of the royal family and a handful of famous faces
Princes William, George and Louis and Princess Charlotte arrived at the venue with Kate
The event will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve as part of the special program Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, with additional material including films highlighting the importance of early childhood and contributions from celebrities including Rio and Kate Ferdinand and Dame Sheila Hancock.
Before this, a video message from the Princess of Wales will be broadcast, in which Kate thanks those who are helping to ‘shape a happier, healthier and fairer world in the future’.
She’ll say, ‘Christmas is a time when we come together and celebrate the birth of a newborn baby.
‘The arrival of each baby is a precious and memorable time, bringing us together to reflect on new beginnings and bringing hope for the future.
Also in attendance were Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who was joined by his daughters Isla and Savannah.
The 1,500 guests included midwives, kindergarten teachers and volunteers from the baby bank
Prince of Wales reads Luke 2:1-7 during the Together At Christmas service in Westminster Abbey
“During our earliest interactions, relationships and experiences, with those who love us, even before we are born, we lay the foundation for so much on which that future will depend.
‘But only by valuing and supporting the vital role of adults in a child’s world can we hope to make a difference.
“And so tonight’s guests are invited in recognition of their support of our youngest children as we shine a spotlight on the vital role they play in nurturing and educating the future generation.
The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales
Kate Middleton greets attendees as she leads the Together At Christmas service
The Royal Family speaks with the Reverend David Stanton as they arrive at Westminster Abbey
Princess of Wales, Prince Louis and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the carol service
Also in attendance were Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, who was accompanied by her stepson, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi.
‘From parents and carers to teachers, midwives, health visitors and community volunteers, thank you for all you do to help the youngest members of our communities feel safe, valued and loved.
‘Not only will this make a difference for today’s children, it will shape a happier, healthier and fairer world in the future.’
The highlight of the show was a moving musical tribute to George Michael and John Lennon. The concert took place 43 years to the day the former Beatle was shot dead.
The event will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve as part of the special program Royal Carols: Together At Christmas
A video message from the Princess of Wales will be broadcast ahead of this, in which Kate thanks those who are helping to ‘shape a happier, healthier and fairer world in the future’
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive for the service at Westminster Abbey
Zara Tindall with the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle
Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips arrives with his daughters Isla and Savannah
Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte send Christmas cards to other children
The highlight of the show was a moving musical tribute to John Lennon and George Michael – the concert took place 43 years to the day the former Beatle was shot dead
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier played Wham!’s hit Last Christmas on Lennon’s piano, which was owned by the group’s lead singer
During the concert, Oscar winner Jim Broadbent read an excerpt from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier performed Wham!’s hit Last Christmas on Lennon’s piano, which was owned by the group’s lead singer and later solo star George Michael and loaned by his estate.
Broadcaster Roman Kemp, the son of Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and former Wham! backup singer Shirlie Kemp introduced Collier and talked about the role George Michael, who was his godfather, played in his life.
During the concert, Oscar winner Jim Broadbent read an excerpt from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien and singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert performed.
- Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will be shown on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm