The Princess of Wales is gathering with fellow members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey this evening for the fifth annual Together At Christmas Carol Service.
Princess Kate has spearheaded this year’s event, which receives backing from The Royal Foundation.
This year’s service centres on celebrating love in its many forms, from familial bonds and friendships to community spirit and acts of kindness between strangers.
The congregation of 1,600 guests includes individuals from throughout the United Kingdom who have given their time to support others, launched community-building projects, or extended help to those in need.
The event blends traditional elements with contemporary touches, designed to welcome attendees of all faiths and those without religious affiliation.
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GETTY
The Princess of Wales is gathering with fellow members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey this evening for the fifth annual Together At Christmas Carol Service.
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GETTY
The event blends traditional elements with contemporary touches, designed to welcome attendees of all faiths and those without religious affiliation.
The Westminster Abbey choir will perform beloved traditional carols, while an impressive roster of musical talent takes to the stage.
Zak Abel, Katie Melua and Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends are among the headline performers, joined by Dan Smith and Griff.
Young talent also features prominently in the evening’s programme.
Platinum Performing Arts, a community organisation based in Edmonton, North London, will showcase its young performers during the service.
Princess Kate has spearheaded this year’s event, which receives backing from The Royal Foundation.
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PA
Guests arriving at the Abbey were greeted by music from eight musicians aged 13 to 18, performing as a specially assembled brass ensemble.
These young players come from Future Talent, a charity established by the Late Duchess of Kent to provide opportunities for musically gifted children from low-income households.
Readings exploring themes of love, compassion and connection will form a central part of the proceedings.
The Prince of Wales himself will deliver one of the poignant readings during the service.
Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and acclaimed actor Chiwetel Ejiofor will also take to the lectern.
This year’s service centres on celebrating love in its many forms, from familial bonds and friendships to community spirit and acts of kindness between strangers.
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GETTY
Comedian Babatunde Aléshé joins the roster of speakers, alongside Heartstopper star Joe Locke, whose reading will be accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Throughout the evening, candles will be lit by individuals whom the Prince and Princess have encountered in recent years, as well as those participating in the service.
The congregation will hear stories highlighting remarkable guests who are setting an example through their efforts to build a more compassionate and connected society.
A live illustrator will capture the atmosphere inside the Abbey, creating real-time sketches of the occasion.
Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth has designed a natural winter wonderland outside the Abbey, featuring British woodland trees in their seasonal state, interwoven with fruits, berries and Christmas trees.
The service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, with a repeat airing on Christmas Day morning.
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PA
The living plants, supplied by Form Plants in Weybridge, will return to the nursery following the event.
Inside Westminster Abbey, wreaths donated by the Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett adorn the space.
These decorations were crafted in collaboration with RHS Ambassadors and schoolchildren, with contributions from Dame Mary Berry, Arit Anderson, comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell.
A Connection Tree, supported by Hobbycraft, invites guests to attach named loops to a paper chain, representing togetherness and meaningful connections.
Fortnum & Mason provided mince pies for attendees upon arrival, while The Royal Foundation is offering hot chocolate after the service concludes.
The service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, with a repeat airing on Christmas Day morning.
BBC Studios Events and The Royal Foundation have co-produced the programme, which will include two special films showcasing individuals and organisations who have demonstrated love and compassion to others during difficult times.
Following the Westminster Abbey gathering, congregational candles will be donated to the Church Candle Challenge, a recycling initiative based at St Peter’s Church in Prestbury, Cheshire.
The festive spirit extends beyond London, with fifteen community carol services taking place across the country throughout December.
Each service will be tailored to its community whilst incorporating elements from the Westminster Abbey celebration.