Princess Kate’s Christmas Carol concert has been dealt a major blow as Hannah Waddingham has been forced to pull out of her scheduled performance.
The singer withdrew due to strained vocal cords caused by her extensive film schedule.
She will still attend the ceremony tonight, with Zak Abel stepping in to sing Silent Night in her place.
The concert marks the fifth consecutive year of the festive celebration, known as Together At Christmas.
The event is set to go ahead at Westminster Abbey, with the Princess of Wales devoting many months to organising the candle-lit service alongside her team.
The gathering aims to unite people for a warming celebration as the Christmas season begins, blending traditional carols with musical performances and readings throughout the evening.
Tonight’s service features an impressive lineup of performers and speakers.
Singer-songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish sea shanty group Fisherman’s Friends and artist Griff will deliver special musical performances during the candle-lit ceremony.
Hannah Waddingham has been forced to pull out.
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GETTYHollywood actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor will provide readings for the occasion, joined by comedian Babatunde Aleshe and Heartstopper star Joe Locke.
Pianist Paul Gladstone Reid will accompany the speakers during their contributions to the service.
The service honours individuals throughout the United Kingdom who have volunteered their time for others, supported community initiatives or extended help to those in need.
Kensington Palace shared images of Westminster Abbey’s festive preparations on social media, revealing a Christmas tree adorned with poinsettia blooms, oversized red baubles and artificial candles.
Kate positions the carol service as an opportunity for communal unity, describing it as ‘a moment of collective togetherness’.
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GETTYAhead of the event, Palace said: “Wonderful to see Westminster Abbey dressed and ready ahead of this evening’s Carol Service.”
The concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The guest list for the event has also been released, featuring England hero Michelle Agyemang alongside her parents.
The 19-year-old played a crucial role in helping the Lionesses win Euro 2025 and was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
The guest list for the Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas carol service.
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GETTYShe will be joined by other England standouts, this time from the Women’s World Cup-winning rugby team.
The Red Rose’s Jessica Breach, Helena Rowland, Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer.
The women’s side packed out Twickenham for the World Cup final and took the win over Canada for the first win since 1991.
Lewis Moody and his family will also be in attendance. The rugby star announced he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in September.
The Palace announced earlier in the week that the Prince and Princess of Wales sent Mr Moody a private letter alongside his invitation.