The Princess of Wales has spoken of the royal family's first Christmas without the Queen at her carol service which she has dedicated to the late monarch and her "incredible legacy". Kate pre-recorded her introductory message for the festive concert earlier this month amid its final preparations.
Narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will air at 7pm on Christmas Eve on ITV and the event, which took place on December 15, saw 1,800 people come together at Westminster Abbey including Kate, her husband William, the Prince of Wales, their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and the King and Queen Consort.
Other members of the royal family were also in attendance at the service, including recent I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here star Mike Tindall and his wife Zara, hours after the final part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s controversial documentary dropped on Netflix.
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Introducing the programme, the princess, who spearheaded the service with support from The Royal Foundation, said she was "thrilled" to return to Westminster Abbey with the special carol service for a second year. However, this year's event came with added sorrow as the family prepare for their first Christmas without Queen Elizabeth II who died on September 8, months after the country came out to celebrate her 70-years on the throne.
"This Christmas will be our first without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth," Kate will be heard saying in her opening message. "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 to show empathy and compassion.
"This year, we’ve invited hundreds of inspiring individuals to the service. Those who showcase the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition of recognising and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others."
"Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us." Kate also dedicated the service to the Queen and to "all those who are sadly no longer with us".
She added: “So, whilst Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember 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."
A Christmas tree in the abbey was decorated with small Paddington Bear decorations, a nod to the late Queen’s famous sketch, while guests were greeted with atmospheric snowflakes from a snow machine as they arrived at the entrance. Among the performers were the Westminster Abbey choir, singer Craig David and Alfie Boe and Melanie C who sung a duet, while William and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas delivered readings.
The broadcast will also show Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, receiving a letter from Kate thanking her for the care she provides to families and children attending the school amid the conflict in their home nation.
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will air at 7pm on Christmas Eve on ITV.
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