Princess of Wales says Christmas carol service is ‘thank you’ to supporters of young children
The Princess will host the event at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening before its broadcast on Dec 24 – The Royal Foundation/ITV/PA
The Princess of Wales has said that her annual Christmas carol service is an opportunity to say a “heartfelt thank you“ to those who support young children.
The Princess, 41, will host the event at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening before its broadcast on Dec 24.
In a pre-recorded clip released on Thursday evening, she said: “Join me this Christmas Eve for a special carol service, as we say a heartfelt thank you to all those supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years.”
The annual concert, Together at Christmas, is now in its third year.
It is arranged by the Princess to honour those who have gone above and beyond to help others.
This year, it will celebrate “the golden opportunity” of new birth, and will be linked to the Princess’s work on the early years, recognising the efforts of those who work with babies and young families.
The congregation will be packed with midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers.
Readings will be delivered by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp and Jim Broadbent.
A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, will be read by Leonie Elliott.
The Westminster Abbey choir will perform and there will be performances by guests including Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay.
Members of the Royal family will be out in force to support the Princess.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are expected to attend, while Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Mike and Zara Tindall, are also thought to be on the guest list.
Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, eight, who stole the show last year in coordinated festive outfits, will almost certainly join their parents, while Prince Louis, five, could make his debut.
The King and Queen, who attended the event last year, are unable to make the concert because of long-standing commitments elsewhere.
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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