Kate Middleton has paid a touching tribute to the late Queen in her Christmas carol service.
During the carol concert, the royal family were out in full force as they honoured the late Queen Elizabeth II in an emotional tribute. A stunning photo of the Queen was projected onto the grand piano during the Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales, who lead the service with support from The Royal Foundation, said she was “thrilled” to return to the abbey for a second year. Kate wore a stunning burgundy-coloured coat dress, which she matched with her daughter Princess Charlotte in a similar colour, reports the Mirror.
Introducing the service, Princess Kate 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 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 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."
The service was screened on ITV and voiced over by Catherine Zeta-Jones, the service was filled with gestures in apparent and touching nods to the late royal. Viewers could see a nearby Christmas tree decorated with miniature Paddington Bears as a nod to her sketch with the cartoon character for her Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Duke and Duchess were joined by their children, George and Charlotte, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, as well as Zara and Mike Tindall, along with 1,800 guests. At one point, Kate could be seen comforting Charlotte with her arm around her, while William had his arm on his son George's during the emotional concert.
Prince William and Dame Kristin Scott-Thomas also performed readings at the evening service, with the Prince reading an extract from his late-grandmother's 2012 Christmas message.
Reading from her 2012 speech, William said: "At Christmas I'm always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ Child.
"From that day on He has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others. This is the time of year when we remember that God sent His only son to serve, not to be served."
The service also featured messages from Dame Judi Dench, actor Martin Kemp and Britain's Got Talent star Ashley Banjo.
This Christmas marks the first since the Queen's passing, with millions expected to tune in at 3pm on Sunday for Charles' first speech as King.
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