The late Queen’s image emblazoned on piano at Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol service

A Christmas Eve carol serivce dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II hosted by the Princess of Wales has been broadcast after being recorded at Westminster Abbey.

In a touching tribute to her late Majesty, musician Alexis Ffrench played In The Bleak Midwinter on a grand piano emblazoned with the Queen’s image. 

The event was attended by King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Speaking at the start of the programme, Kate said: ‘This Christmas will be our first without her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. 

‘Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart as a time that brought us together.’

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were filmed holding candles as they joined in with the carols at the service

The event , dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was attended by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort

She added that the service aims to ‘continue Her Majesty’s tradition of thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.’ 

‘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.’ 

Among those in attendance were other senior members of the royal family, including Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. 

The Princess of Wales (left) with the Countess of Wessex during the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey

The Prince of Wales, reading an extract from Queen Elizabeth II’s Christmas Message 2012, during the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbe

Musician Alexis Ffrench thanks the Princess of Wales for hosting the event, and said performing there was ‘such and honour’.

Singer and DJ Craig David, Alfie Boe and Spice Girl Mel C also performed a carol at the star-studded event. 

Messages from celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Ashley Banjo and Martin Kemp were also included in the show, which was broadcast on ITV.

Dame Judi says she remembers the Queen’s first Christmas broadcast, with a clip shown of the young monarch addressing the nation shortly after she ascended to the throne.

Melanie C perform during the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London

‘The #TogetherAtChristmas Carol Service is a celebration of the people and organisations that make our communities what they are! Join us to watch this evening as we pay tribute to them and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,’ a tweet on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official account read.

This year, the Princess invited hundreds of ‘inspiring individuals’ to the service to recognise their contributions up and down the country. She described them as: ‘Those who showcase 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.

‘So, whilst Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared.