Princess of Wales tells how her special carol service was a tribute to the Queen
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The Princess of Wales has recounted how her special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey is dedicated to the late Queen “and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.”
In a filmed intro for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will air tomorrow, Kate emotionally speaks of Queen Elizabeth’s affinity with the festive period “as a time that brings people together and reminds us of all important values.” .
The 40-year-old royal held her first event last year, which was so successful that she decided to bring it back, with the likelihood of it becoming an annual event. She said: ‘Last year’s event reminded me of what I love most about Christmas, seeing people come together, celebrate and experience special moments, while also thinking about the year that has passed.
“This Christmas will be the first without Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and of showing empathy and compassion.”
The Princess of Wales has recounted how her special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey is dedicated to the late Queen “and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.”
Kate spoke emotionally of Queen Elizabeth II’s affinity for the festive period “as a time that brings people together and reminds us of all important values.”
This year, the Princess has invited hundreds of “inspirational individuals” to the service to recognize their contributions across the country. She described them as: “Those who show the power of connection and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition of recognizing and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.”
He added: ‘Her Majesty leaves us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us. This year’s Christmas carol service is dedicated to her and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.
“So even though Christmas will feel a lot different this year, we can still look back on the memories and traditions we shared.
“Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special.”
Wearing a £400 black sequined knit cropped cardigan, from Self Portrait, she recorded the message last week during a visit to the Abbey amid final preparations for the service.
Ukrainian St Marys Choir performs during the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey
King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Princess Catherine of Wales and the Countess of Wessex during the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey
Supported by the Royal Foundation, the service was held at Westminster Abbey on December 15 and was attended by scores of royals, including Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort.
The programme, which will air on ITV1 tomorrow at 7pm, is narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones and features tributes to HM The Queen and short films highlighting people doing everything they can to support others.
One of the people the princess wanted to highlight was Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, whose workload has increased dramatically since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
The Princess of Wales (pictured right with the late Queen) 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 she brought people together’
Ms. Hryhorovych is seen receiving a letter from Kate thanking her for the care she provides to families and children attending the school.
In the letter, the Princess also invites Mrs Hryhorovych and the St Mary’s Ukrainian School choir to sing a Christmas carol at the Westminster Abbey service.
Her beautiful rendition of Away In A Manger can be heard alongside musical star turns from the Westminster Abbey Choir, pop star Craig David, soulman Alexis Ffrench and a special duet from tenor Alfie Boe and former Spice Girl. Melanie C. The readings were given by The Prince of Wales, actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and boxer Nicola Adams.
In an article in The Spectator, actress Sophie Winkleman, married to Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who is 52nd in line to the throne, praised the royals for being “so hardworking, unapologetic and brave” in the face of “fictional and undermining TV shows about the family.”
The 42-year-old actress, best known as Big Suze on the sitcom Peep Show, joined royals for the Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.