Kate Middleton's Together at Christmas carol concert to return with special theme
The Princess of Wales' Christmas carol concert will return for the fourth year running and will be hosted at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 6 December. The 'Together at Christmas' service has quickly become a much-loved royal tradition as it sees several members of the family join celebrities and those who have done good in their community to bid farewell to the year.
There is a different theme each year, with this year's being the importance of love and empathy and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. The service - which is supported by The Royal Foundation - will take place on the first Friday in December and will air as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
On the return of the service, Kensington Palace notes: "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."
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While the famous faces who will perform and give readings during the service are yet to be confirmed, it is understood that they will be people who, in their own ways, have shown how love can help others thrive.
On the day the service is filmed, Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities, whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering.
While the concert in 2022 showcased the Princess’ own musical talents and paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II through the image of beloved storybook character Paddington Bear, last year was closer to home for Kate and drew on the important work she is doing in the field of early childhood.
In the run up to the service the palace released a statement to “thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the U.K. and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings."
Away from the theme, which coincided with the year that the Princess launched Shaping Us – a campaign which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child's life – there were other special moments.
One of the most memorable was when the Wales children, including cheeky Prince Louis who made his first appearance at the service, sweetly drop off Christmas cards to children who may struggle during the festive season in a special red postbox outside the Abbey. We cooed as Louis’ face lit up as he recognised actor Jim Broadbent as he read letters from Father Christmas and then laughed as he determinedly tried to blow out sister Charlotte’s candle.
