Catherine, Princess of Wales will host her fifth annual Together at Christmas carol service in Westminster Abbey
Catherine, Princess of Wales has announced plans for this year’s Together at Christmas concert(Image: BANG Showbiz)
Annually, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton holds a carol concert and this year will be her fifth Together at Christmas event at London’s Westminster Abbey. It’s said that this year’s service will be a celebration of “love in all its forms,” as it features readings from a star studded line up of guest.
Together at Christmas will be taking place on Friday, December 5 and will feature celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and a performance by Bastille frontman Dan Smith.
Those wanting to watch the main service will be able to watch it from the comfort of their own home, as it will be recorded for transmission on ITV1 and ITVX. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
Kensington Palace released a statement saying: “Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir sing some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances and readings by guests including Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
“The Service will also showcase stories of some of the incredible guests in the congregation, who are leading by example and helping to create a more connected society.
“This year, the Service will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – whether it’s love within families, through friendships, across communities or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.
“In a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all – spanning generations, communities, cultures and faiths.”
Supported by The Royal Foundation, the service aims to highlight the “power of togetherness”.
The statement continued: “As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the power of togetherness. The evening will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence and joy.”
The Princess of Wales “wanted to recognise and thank the many people around the country who are acting with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society.”
The congregation of 1,600 will have dedicated their time or volunteered with others, launched initiatives to unite their communities or shown kindness and empathy to those around them.
Royal family members will also attend, alongside “recognisable” faces who have demonstrated love to foster compassion and unity.
Prior to guests entering Westminster Abbey, they will enjoy music from young performers from Future Talent in honour of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September aged 92 and co-founded the charity to support musically-gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Royal Horticultural Society are providing wreaths created with their ambassadors and schoolchildren for display within the Abbey, whilst horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will craft a special festive display outside the venue to emphasise the significance of nature.