Hannah Waddingham has been forced to pull out of the Princess of Wales’s Christmas Carol concert this evening, where she was due to perform. The actress was scheduled to sing In the Bleak Midwinter, but unfortunately, her vocals have been compromised by an exhausting film schedule.
She will still join the 1,600-strong congregation this evening. Zak Abel will now sing Silent Night in her place, although due to the late change, this is not reflected in the programme. Other stars who are performing include Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk music group, Fisherman’s Friends. The audience will also see young performers from Platinum Performing Arts dance inside the Abbey.
The last-minute announcement comes just days after the Princess shared a heartfelt personal message she had written for guests attending her concert.
As it is Princess Catherine’s special night, she typically arrives alone to meet some of her guests in the Abbey, before being united with her family. Prince William is expected to arrive with the couple’s three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
While the King and Queen are not expected to attend, having only made an appearance at the service in 2022, other family members are expected to come together, including the Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara and Mike Tindall and the Middleton family.
As it always does, this year’s service will have a special theme, but will also serve as a way to remember Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 92.
This year’s Christmas carol service will celebrate individuals from across the UK who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.
Another vital element this year is the importance of sharing love at Christmas through small gestures, whether that is through words of comfort, friendly conversation, or just being there.
In a message to the 1,600 guests who have been invited to the concert, Catherine wrote: “These simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong. Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together.
“Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we. “We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.”
The Princess’s Together at Christmas service will take place on Friday and will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm.