A social media debate has erupted among royal fans following an announcement by the King’s Trust regarding its upcoming festive plans.
The charity revealed that it will host an “evening of carols at Westminster Abbey” on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
The event, organised in partnership with luxury cruise line Cunard and supported by sponsors Elemis, American Airlines, and The White Company, aims to bring the Abbey to life with traditional carols, musical performances, and readings to support young people across the United Kingdom.
However, the choice of venue and timing has sparked intense discussion online, with many observers drawing direct comparisons to the Princess of Wales’s highly publicised annual Christmas carol service.
For several years, Catherine has hosted her own signature “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey during the same week in December.
The proximity of the two events has led some royal fans to accuse the King’s charity of infringing on the princess’s established festive territory.
Disgruntled fans quickly took to social media to voice their disapproval. One critic posted: “The King’s Christmas Carol Concert this year will be held at Westminster Abbey just like the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas concert.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, writing: “King Charles is hosting a Carol Concert on December 2 at Westminster Abbey, following the exact same format Princess Catherine uses each year, including readings from celebrities.”
Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, 2025
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Others pointed out the long-standing nature of the princess’s event, with one user noting: “Kate has had her own concert that very same week in the very same venue for years now.”
The naming of the event also drew scrutiny from some online observers, with one person writing: “Um, what the heck? First, it can’t say ‘Christmas’ and I guess we all know why.”
Despite the criticism, a wave of supporters has come forward to defend the King’s Trust, clarifying the event’s history and the specific reasons for the venue upgrade.
Defenders pointed out that the charity, formerly known as the Prince’s Trust, has a long-running tradition of hosting festive fundraisers.
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Dame Helen Mirren attends the King’s Trust Carol Concert 2025 at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge in 2025
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“There are multiple Carol concerts in London churches throughout the Christmas period,” one user clarified. “Many are fundraisers like this one.”
Others highlighted that the move to Westminster Abbey is a temporary elevation to mark a major historic milestone for the organisation.
“The Prince’s Trust (now the King’s Trust) has held annual carol services for years. Usually it’s held in a smaller church but it is at Westminster this year to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Trust. He’s not copying or trying to upstage Catherine in any way,” a supporter explained.
Another commenter provided further context regarding the nature of the Trust’s concert, writing: “It’s an annual event since 2018 moving to a larger venue to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The King’s Trust announced the venue change on social media
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“It is usually broadcast on radio and no royals typically attend.”
While Princess Catherine’s “Together at Christmas” service is traditionally filmed for a major television broadcast on Christmas Eve and attended heavily by members of the Royal Family, the King’s Trust event serves primarily as a ticketed fundraising gala to support its ongoing youth programmes.
Tickets for the December 2 event have been made available to the public via the charity’s official channels.
GB News has contacted the King’s Trust and Kensington Palace for comment.