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The first details have emerged about the Princess of Wales's annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which is returning for a fifth year next month. Kensington Palace has confirmed the festive event will take place on Friday December 5, with Kate spearheading the annual carol service , with the support of The Royal Foundation. This year, the festive service aims to bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms - whether it’s love within families, through friendships, across communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers. The evening will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence, and joy in a world that can often feel disconnected, which Kate has been vocal about combatting. On the first Friday of December, Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, fronted initiatives that bring people in their community together, or shown kindness and empathy to those around them. These honourable guests will be joined by members of the Royal Family for the service. Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir sing some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances and readings by guests including Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The service will also showcase stories of some of the incredible guests in the congregation, who are leading by example and helping to create a more connected society. Before guests enter the Abbey, they will enjoy music by young performers from Future Talent; a charity co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to support musically-gifted children from low-income backgrounds. Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will create a festive environment outside of the Abbey for guests to enjoy when they arrive, to highlight the important role nature plays in our lives. The Royal Horticultural Society will also be donating wreaths for display inside Westminster Abbey, which have been made in partnership with their Ambassadors and schoolchildren. In addition to the service at Westminster Abbey, 15 ‘Together at Christmas ’ Community Carol Services will be taking place across the UK, hosted by Lord-Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation. Like the Westminster Abbey service, each of the showcases will recognise those who have gone above and beyond to show love and connection with others. They will be held in a variety of places including at the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an Arts Centre in Newbury and a Community Farm in Gwent. Kate’s ‘Together at Christmas’ event will be filmed for broadcast, and will air as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve with a repeat showing on the morning of Christmas Day. Ahead of last year’s Christmas concert airing on TV, Kate shared an emotional statement encouraging people to look out for those in need, especially during the festive period. She said: "Across the United Kingdom , there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of everyone of you and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other's light. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas." Kate invited the child survivors of the Southport stabbing to the 2024 carol service, as she continued to ease back into her royal duties after battling cancer earlier in the year.
