The Royal Family united in full festive force as the Princess of Wales was joined at her annual Christmas carol service by Prince William and children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Royal children sparkled as they were seen stepping in to the event at Westminster Abbey – while five-year-old Prince Louis once again stole the show by blowing out his sister’s candle and chatting to a statue outside.
Among the group of celebrities waiting to greet the family in the Abbey’s Lady Chapel were singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert, musician Jacob Collier and actor Jim Broadbent.
Catherine’s sister Pippa and husband James Matthews were also photographed arriving this afternoon, as were Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto.
The Princess herself unveiled a very special festive gift to guests at the concert – a rendition of Last Christmas played on John Lennon’s piano.
Kate arrives for the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey today
![The Princess of Wales was joined by her three children at Westminster Abbey, each holding candles ahead of her Together at Christmas carol service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748301-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_is_joined_by_her_three_children_at_Westmin-a-2_1702065109022.jpg)
The Princess of Wales was joined by her three children at Westminster Abbey, each holding candles ahead of her Together at Christmas carol service
![The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte (left) smile as Prince Louis (centre) looks on at the carol service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748305-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_and_Princess_Charlotte_left_smile_as_Princ-a-3_1702065109023.jpg)
The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte (left) smile as Prince Louis (centre) looks on at the carol service
![Prince George of Wales and Princess Charlotte lead the way into Westminster Abbey, accompanied by their parents](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/20/78749879-12842523-image-a-1_1702067151754.jpg)
Prince George of Wales and Princess Charlotte lead the way into Westminster Abbey, accompanied by their parents
![Princess Charlotte holds a candle as the carol service gets underway in the abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/20/78749875-12842523-image-a-2_1702067157944.jpg)
Princess Charlotte holds a candle as the carol service gets underway in the abbey
![The Princess of Wales' sister Pippa Matthews (left) and her husband James attend the service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748677-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_sister_Pippa_Matthews_left_and_her_husband-a-4_1702065109023.jpg)
The Princess of Wales’ sister Pippa Matthews (left) and her husband James attend the service
![Pippa Matthews wore a sequined trouser suit as she arrived at Westminster Abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748683-12842523-Pippa_Matthews_wore_a_sequined_trouser_suit_as_she_arrived_at_We-a-5_1702065109024.jpg)
Pippa Matthews wore a sequined trouser suit as she arrived at Westminster Abbey
![The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743397-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_waves_as_she_arrives_for_the_service_at_We-a-6_1702065109024.jpg)
The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today
![The Princes of Wales leads her two elder children Princess Charlotte and Prince George into Westminster Abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746463-12842523-The_Princes_of_Wales_leads_her_two_elder_children_Princess_Charl-a-7_1702065109025.jpg)
The Princes of Wales leads her two elder children Princess Charlotte and Prince George into Westminster Abbey
![The Princess of Wales' Together at Christmas service will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745927-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_Together_at_Christmas_service_will_be_broa-a-8_1702065109025.jpg)
The Princess of Wales’ Together at Christmas service will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve
![Prince Louis helps blow out his sister's candle at the end of the service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748829-12842523-Prince_Louis_helps_blow_out_his_sister_s_candle_at_the_end_of_th-a-10_1702065109027.jpg)
Prince Louis helps blow out his sister’s candle at the end of the service
![The Princess of Wales (right) appears to have a word with Prince Louis (left) after the service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748815-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_right_appears_to_have_a_word_with_Prince_L-a-11_1702065109027.jpg)
The Princess of Wales (right) appears to have a word with Prince Louis (left) after the service
![Prince Michael of Kent and his daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston were among the guests](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78748831-12842523-Prince_Michael_of_Kent_and_his_daughter_Lady_Gabriella_Kingston_-a-12_1702065109027.jpg)
Prince Michael of Kent and his daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston were among the guests
![The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children arrive for the carols](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745317-12842523-The_Prince_and_Princess_of_Wales_and_their_children_arrive_for_t-a-13_1702065109028.jpg)
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children arrive for the carols
![Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman and their children attend the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78747047-12842523-Lord_Frederick_Windsor_Sophie_Winkleman_and_their_children_atten-a-14_1702065109028.jpg)
Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman and their children attend the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service
![Prince Richard and his wife Birgit, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, arrive at Westminster for the carols service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78747203-12842523-Prince_Richard_and_his_wife_Birgit_Duke_and_Duchess_of_Glouceste-a-15_1702065109029.jpg)
Prince Richard and his wife Birgit, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, arrive at Westminster for the carols service
![Princess Charlotte held her mother's hand as she walked into the service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745923-12842523-Princess_Charlotte_held_her_mother_s_hand_as_she_walked_into_the-a-16_1702065109029.jpg)
Princess Charlotte held her mother’s hand as she walked into the service
![Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince George of Wales post letters to Santa before The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745925-12842523-Princess_Charlotte_of_Wales_Prince_Louis_of_Wales_and_Prince_Geo-a-17_1702065109030.jpg)
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince George of Wales post letters to Santa before The ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service
![Prince Louis looks over a statue of a royal guard as he and his family depart the abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/20/78749871-12842523-image-a-3_1702067239263.jpg)
Prince Louis looks over a statue of a royal guard as he and his family depart the abbey
![The Princess of Wales' 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey is one of her key events of the year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746459-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_Together_At_Christmas_Carol_Service_at_Wes-a-18_1702065109030.jpg)
The Princess of Wales’ ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey is one of her key events of the year
![Christopher Woolf also posted a letter to Santa while step-mother Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi looked on](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746011-12842523-Christopher_Woolf_also_posted_a_letter_to_Santa_while_step_mothe-a-19_1702065109031.jpg)
Christopher Woolf also posted a letter to Santa while step-mother Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi looked on
![The Princess will tonight unveil a very special festive gift to guests at the concert - a rendition of Last Christmas played on John Lennon 's piano.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745927-12842523-The_Princess_will_tonight_unveil_a_very_special_festive_gift_to_-a-9_1702065109026.jpg)
The Princess will tonight unveil a very special festive gift to guests at the concert – a rendition of Last Christmas played on John Lennon ‘s piano.
![Kate arrives for the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743393-12842523-Kate_arrives_for_the_Together_At_Christmas_Carol_Service_at_West-a-1_1702065108944.jpg)
Kate arrives for the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey today
![Princess Eugenie looked smiley as she was photographed arriving for the Royal Carols](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745239-12842523-Princess_Eugenie_looked_smiley_as_she_was_photographed_arriving_-a-20_1702065109031.jpg)
Princess Eugenie looked smiley as she was photographed arriving for the Royal Carols
![Princess Eugenie, who recently welcomed her second son named Ernest with husband Jack Brooksbank, was among the guests](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78747205-12842523-Princess_Eugenie_who_recently_welcomed_her_second_son_named_Erne-a-21_1702065109032.jpg)
Princess Eugenie, who recently welcomed her second son named Ernest with husband Jack Brooksbank, was among the guests
![The Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and the Princess of Wales are greeted by The Dean of Westminster ahead of the carol service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746451-12842523-The_Prince_of_Wales_Prince_Louis_Princess_Charlotte_Prince_Georg-a-22_1702065109032.jpg)
The Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and the Princess of Wales are greeted by The Dean of Westminster ahead of the carol service
![Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle greets the royal children ahead of the service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746455-12842523-Dean_of_Westminster_David_Hoyle_greets_the_royal_children_ahead_-a-23_1702065109033.jpg)
Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle greets the royal children ahead of the service
Before the concert started, Kate met celebrities in the Abbey’s stunning 16th century Lady Chapel, and chatting to Broadbent expressed her appreciation at him agreeing to read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord Of The Rings author JRR Tolkien.
She said: ‘Thank you for your time because I know the lead up to Christmas can be busy for people.’
Kate appeared to joke with multi-instrumentalist Collier, who has posted music tutorial videos on YouTube, about her daughter learning the piano and he quipped ‘many a plink and a plonk’.
She also walked around the Abbey before the event began, speaking to young people who have done inspiring activities.
Kate crouched down to chat to seven-year-old Oscar Burrow, from Lancaster, who when aged six climbed 12 mountains raising more than £40,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, Lancashire.
His mother Kimberley Burrow said afterwards: ‘She said she’d heard about what he’s done and he’s doing a fantastic job, and hopes what he’s doing will inspire other children to do amazing things.’
The service began with the popular carol, Once In Royal David’s City, and the congregation also heard a duet by Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert who performed The Christmas Song, made famous by Nat King Cole.
William read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke that describes how Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem to be registered and the birth of Jesus.
The Abbey echoed with the voices of its choir and the congregation singing a selection of carols including Silent Night, Holy Night and Joy To The World, as well as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
The historic building featured Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park donated by the King, which will be given to local communities after the service.
The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve, featuring additional material including an introduction by Kate and films emphasising the importance of early childhood.
The broadcast will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.
![The Princess of Wales speaks with Jim Broadbent ahead of the Royal Carols](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745261-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_speaks_with_Jim_Broadbent_ahead_of_the_Roy-a-26_1702065109039.jpg)
The Princess of Wales speaks with Jim Broadbent ahead of the Royal Carols
![Pippa Middleton and James Matthews arrive at Westminster Abbey for the service today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744005-12842523-Pippa_Middleton_and_James_Matthews_arrive_at_Westminster_Abbey_f-a-27_1702065109040.jpg)
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews arrive at Westminster Abbey for the service today
![Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with Emma Willis at the carol service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746195-12842523-Catherine_Princess_of_Wales_speaks_with_Emma_Willis_at_the_carol-a-28_1702065109040.jpg)
Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with Emma Willis at the carol service
![Britain's Princess Beatrice and her family are also in attendance at the event](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78745255-12842523-Britain_s_Princess_Beatrice_and_her_family_are_also_in_attendanc-a-29_1702065109040.jpg)
Britain’s Princess Beatrice and her family are also in attendance at the event
![Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto arrive at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744611-12842523-Lady_Sarah_Chatto_and_her_husband_Daniel_Chatto_arrive_at_Westmi-a-30_1702065109041.jpg)
Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto arrive at Westminster Abbey today
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She has been loaned the iconic instrument – on which the former Beatle composed the song ‘Imagine’ – by the estate of the late George Michael.
The singer – who himself died tragically early, on Christmas Day 2016 – bought it in 2000 for a staggering £1.45million.
His famed Christmas hit will be performed by British Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Jacob Collier in what will undoubtedly be the highlight of the royal service, now in its third year.
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be filmed tonight and broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITVI and ITVX.
![Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with Roman Kemp at The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78746099-12842523-Catherine_Princess_of_Wales_speaks_with_Roman_Kemp_at_The_Togeth-a-31_1702065109041.jpg)
Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with Roman Kemp at The ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service
![Kate is greeted by The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle as she arrives at Westminster Abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744299-12842523-Kate_is_greeted_by_The_Dean_of_Westminster_David_Hoyle_as_she_ar-a-32_1702065109042.jpg)
Kate is greeted by The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle as she arrives at Westminster Abbey
![The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743405-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_waves_as_she_arrives_for_the_service_at_We-a-33_1702065109042.jpg)
The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today
![Kate arrives for the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743399-12842523-Kate_arrives_for_the_Together_At_Christmas_Carol_Service_at_West-a-34_1702065109042.jpg)
Kate arrives for the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey today
![The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743401-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_waves_as_she_arrives_for_the_service_at_We-a-35_1702065109043.jpg)
The Princess of Wales waves as she arrives for the service at Westminster Abbey today
![The Princess of Wales walks into Westminster Abbey for the carol service today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78743403-12842523-The_Princess_of_Wales_walks_into_Westminster_Abbey_for_the_carol-a-36_1702065109043.jpg)
The Princess of Wales walks into Westminster Abbey for the carol service today
Spearheaded by the princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, William and Kate’s charitable organisation, it is designed to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.
The theme this year is Kate’s ‘early years’ campaign, designed to highlight how important children’s development up to the age of five is in shaping their lives as adults.
Among the 1,500 invited guests tonight were parents, carers, early educators, midwives, health visitors and community volunteers.
All have either been nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation or charities associated with the Royal Family, as well as people the princess knows personally through her work in the field with her Royal Foundation for Early Childhood Centre.
Some families with young children who have had a particularly challenging year were also invited too after being nominated by charities the princess has associations with.
The service, combining traditional and modern elements, saw the Westminster Abbey choir perform alongside musicians including singers Freya Ridings and James Bey, with a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert of The Christmas Song, made famous by Nat King Cole.
Readings were delivered by Prince Wiliam, actor Jim Broadbent, presenter Emma Willis and actor Michael Ward.
Presenter Roman Kemp introduced the special rendition of Last Christmas on Lennon’s piano, talking about the role George Michael played in his own life – his mother, Shirlie Kemp, was one of his backing singers – as well as the story of the piano itself.
![Freya Ridings attends the 'Together At Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744179-12842523-Freya_Ridings_attends_the_Together_At_Christmas_carol_service_at-a-38_1702065109044.jpg)
Freya Ridings attends the ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey today
![Singer Adam Lambert arrives to attend the Together At Christmas carol service today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744175-12842523-Singer_Adam_Lambert_arrives_to_attend_the_Together_At_Christmas_-a-39_1702065109045.jpg)
Singer Adam Lambert arrives to attend the Together At Christmas carol service today
![Emma Willis attends the 'Together At Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744177-12842523-Emma_Willis_attends_the_Together_At_Christmas_carol_service_at_W-a-40_1702065109045.jpg)
Emma Willis attends the ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey today
![Beverley Knight arrives to attend the Together At Christmas carol service today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78744181-12842523-Beverley_Knight_arrives_to_attend_the_Together_At_Christmas_caro-a-41_1702065109046.jpg)
Beverley Knight arrives to attend the Together At Christmas carol service today
A source told the Mail that the instrument had been loaned by his estate who were keen to support this year’s service.
Lennon, who was killed by gunman Mark Chapman in December 1980, bought the piano in 1970 and had it delivered to studios at his home in Tittenhurst Park, Berkshire.
He composed and recorded Imagine on it the following year, and was filmed playing the song on it for the first time to wife Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono band.
It went on to become the best-selling single of his solo career
George Michael, who subsequently composed his own music using it including the title track of his 2004 album Patience, said he bought the piano because it was ‘not the type of thing that should be in storage somewhere or being protected, it should be seen by people’.
Tonight’s service was also attended by the princess’ family and friends.
Among the large number of royal guests were Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice, her stepson Christopher Mapelli Mozzi and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips and his daughters Savannah and Isla.
Although he was not present due to a diary clash, the King has donated Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate Westminster Abbey, which will be donated to the local community after the service.
The abbey will also be filled with sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations.
Outside the princess has had a special post box installed, with guests encouraged to bring a card which will be distributed to children who might be struggling this year through charities including Child Bereavement UK, East Anglia Children’s Hospice, Evelina London and the British Red Cross.
![A photograph issued by ITV yesterday of the Princess of Wales who is returning to Westminster Abbey to host a special Christmas carol service today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78705825-12842523-A_photograph_issued_by_ITV_yesterday_of_the_Princess_of_Wales_wh-a-43_1702065109047.jpg)
A photograph issued by ITV yesterday of the Princess of Wales who is returning to Westminster Abbey to host a special Christmas carol service today
![2022 -- A photo from Kensington Palace of Kate at Westminster Abbey at Christmas last year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78706173-12842523-2022_A_photo_from_Kensington_Palace_of_Kate_at_Westminster_Abbey-a-44_1702065109047.jpg)
2022 — A photo from Kensington Palace of Kate at Westminster Abbey at Christmas last year
![2022 - William, Charlotte, George and Kate at the carol service on December 15 last year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78740583-12842523-2022_William_Charlotte_George_and_Kate_at_the_carol_service_on_D-a-45_1702065109048.jpg)
2022 – William, Charlotte, George and Kate at the carol service on December 15 last year
![2021 -- William and Kate attend the carols service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2021](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/08/19/78740707-12842523-2021_William_and_Kate_attend_the_carols_service_at_Westminster_A-a-46_1702065109049.jpg)
2021 — William and Kate attend the carols service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2021
They will also be greeted by carols and Christmas songs by the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud Choir, made up of 12 young carers aged six upwards.
A royal aide said the princess – who will not speak on the night but will feature in a pre-filmed introduction to be broadcast on Christmas Eve – hoped the service would remind people of ‘how precious’ the early years of a child’s life at a time when the world celebrates the birth of a newborn baby.
‘It is a reminder of how unique this time is, and how precious those early years are, as we start to form our very first relationships, bond with those closest to us, and explore the world in which we live,’ they said.
‘It also signifies hope. As we look to the future, we hope our children will grow up in a happier, healthier, fairer, kinder and more tolerant world. A world based on love and compassion.
‘This evening, Westminster Abbey will be filled with more than 1,500 inspiring people in appreciation of their selfless support as they work tirelessly to help the youngest members of our society to flourish.’
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will air on December 24 at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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