The Princess of Wales is set to host her fourth annual Christmas carol concert next week, with the service from Westminster Abbey broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve – but one royal who has attended in years gone by has hinted there’s a secret part of the evening that was unknown until now
The Princess of Wales is gearing up for one of her biggest events of the year – her annual Christmas carol concert.
Kate, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024 after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer. Her chemotherapy treatment ended in September and she has begun to make a gradual return to royal duties.
And one appearance that she has been working towards during her recovery is her annual festive event at Westminster Abbey, which is taking place next Friday (December 6). In years gone by, Kate has been accompanied at the event by Prince William along with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Other royals have also been in regular attendance including Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Another little-known member of the Firm, Sophie Winkleman, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent has also been at the event in recent years.
However, in a new interview, she hinted there is part of the festive outing that is not seen on TV and suggested there is a family gathering after the service. On a visit to the Fayre of St James’s Christmas charity event, actress Sophie, who shot to fame as Big Suze in Peep Show, was asked by HELLO! what she was looking forward to the most about Kate’s event.
And she cryptically answered: “Beautiful music and beautiful readings. And Hors d’Oeuvres”, suggesting some sort of family get-together with snacks.
This year’s service will have several poignant guests as Kate has invited child survivors of the Southport stabbings. It comes after the princess made a surprise visit with her husband William to meet the bereaved families of the victims in Southport last month.
The royal couple met privately with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 in Southport, as well as the children’s dance teacher. At the Southport Community Centre, they met emergency responders involved in the attack and heard about their experiences.
Kensington Palace said Kate, who honoured the war dead at Remembrance events earlier this month, wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy.
It said: “The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.” The Palace added: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.
“This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.” It will be the fourth time Kate has staged her Together At Christmas carol service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation.
The event will be filmed as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
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