The Royal Family love to throw themselves into celebrations during the festive season.
And for the past three years Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has added to the jollity with her annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
This year will be no different and the princess is set to host the event tomorrow – making it one of few official appearances from Kate this year as she gradually returns to duties after cancer treatment.
The service, Together At Christmas, is televised on December 24 each year and is often well attended by members of the Royal Family and the Middletons.
The service will, Kensington Palace said, ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’.
‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.
As the fourth carol service approaches, we’ve collated some of the most heart-warming moments from previous years.
The Princess of Wales playing the piano during Tom Walker’s performance in the televised service in 2021
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, 2021
Kate held her first carol service in 2021 as Covid restrictions began to ease, on December 8.
Together At Christmas celebrated key pandemic workers and was broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.
Kate had helped to prepare Westminster Abbey and got involved hanging up baubles on a tree and large festive wreathes.
The Princess of Wales arrived to the service in a stunning red coat dress which featured a large bow detailing across the bodice. She accessorised with the Queen Mother’s sapphire and diamond fringe earrings and a red suede bag.
Kate helping to prepare Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service in 2021
Kate playing the piano in the candlelit abbey as Tom Walker sings and plays the guitar
Kate talking to Mila Sneddon, 6, ahead of the Together At Christmas community carol service
Her husband Prince William was, of course, also at the service.
In what was perhaps the highlight of the service, Kate played the piano as Tom Walker sang For Those Who Can’t Be Here.
The Princess’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton were in the audience, along with her sister Pippa, her brother James, and James’s wife Alizee.
William’s cousins Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall, were also their to enjoy the show.
The evening featured performances from British singers Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis.
Kate warmly greeted guests behind a face mask – among them children Mila Sneddon, then six, and Tony Hugell, then eight.
Prince William and Kate pass by members of the Middleton family seated in the congregation
Kate accessorised with the Queen Mother’s sapphire and diamond fringe earrings
Cousins Zara Tindall and Princess Eugenie were among the Royals at the service
Christmas 2022
The second carol service, in 2022, was dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth who had passed away earlier that year.
Two of the Wales’s children attended – Princess Charlotte and Prince George.
Kate wore an elegant burgundy coat dress that matched her daughter’s, while William and George both wore black coats.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also joined the festivities, as well as Sophie, the then Countess of Wessex, Zara and Mike Tindall, the Duke of Kent and other royals.
Kate dedicated the service to the late Queen and in an introduction video to the broadcast, said: ‘Last year’s event reminded me what I love most about Christmas: seeing people coming together, celebrating and experiencing special moments, whilst also thinking about the year that’s passed.
‘This Christmas will be our first without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Kate wearing an elegant burgundy coat dress to the carol service in 2022
King Charles and Queen Camilla also joined the festivities, as well as Sophie, the then Countess of Wessex, Zara and Mike Tindall, the Duke of Kent and other royals
‘Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.’
Kate invited ‘inspiring individuals’ to the service who she felt, ‘showcased the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition of recognising and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others’.
And she added: ‘Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us. This year’s carol service is dedicated to her and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.’
The service included performances from Craig David, Alexis Ffrench, Samantha Barks as well as Alfie Boe and Melanie C, who performed a duet.
Kate and Prince George at the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey
King Charles talking at the Christmas carol service two years ago
Last year’s Christmas service
Kate’s third Christmas service was another memorable event for the royals.
Prince Louis joined his siblings for the first time and before walking into Westminster Abbey, the trio posted letters to Santa in a miniature red letterbox.
Kate wore a glamorous white coat over a cream jumper paired with wide-leg trousers.
Princess Beatrice’s stepson, Christopher Woolf, attended with the royal and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis arriving at the carol service last year
The siblings posted letters to Santa in a small red letterbox before the service while their parents watched on
Kate smiles as Louis blows out his candle during the service at Westminster Abbey last year
The family sat together during the service and all held hymn books while they sang.
In a sweet moment, Kate was seen smiling as she helped Louis as he blew out his candle.
Princess Beatrice’s stepson, Christopher Woolf, attended with the royal and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Kate greeted members of the congregation including a scout group as well as esteemed actress Sheila Hancock, radio presenter Roman Kemp and his mother Shirley, and former American Idol winner Adam Lambert.
The family sat together during the service and all held hymn books while they sang
Princess Beatrice’s stepson, Christopher Woolf, attended with the royal and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Kate with Charlotte and Louis holding candles during the service
The Princess of Wales greeting a Scout group who were part of the congregation
