Kate Middleton Announces Annual Christmas Carol Service at Abbey

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has unveiled details for her annual carol service, Together at Christmas, which will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on December 5, 2023. This year’s event will focus on celebrating “love in all its forms,” reflecting Catherine’s commitment to fostering community and connection during the festive season.

The fifth edition of the carol service will feature readings and performances from notable figures, including Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Musician Dan Smith, lead singer of the band Bastille, is also set to perform. According to a statement from Kensington Palace, the service will blend traditional and modern elements, welcoming people from various faiths and backgrounds.

Celebrating Community and Compassion

The evening aims to highlight the importance of community spirit. The palace statement noted that the service will showcase stories from guests who exemplify kindness and compassion, thereby creating a more connected society. “In a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all,” the statement added, emphasizing the role of love in bridging generational and cultural divides.

This year’s service will also underscore the “power of togetherness.” As the Christmas season approaches, the event will remind attendees of the transformative impact of compassion, presence, and joy. Catherine hopes to recognize and thank individuals across the country who contribute positively to their communities, whether through volunteering, launching initiatives, or simply showing kindness to others.

The congregation will consist of 1,600 guests, all of whom have dedicated their time or efforts to foster unity. Members of the royal family will attend alongside other prominent figures who have demonstrated commitment to love and compassion.

Honoring Legacy and Nature

Before entering Westminster Abbey, guests will enjoy performances by young musicians representing Future Talent, a charity co-founded by Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September at the age of 92. This tribute aims to support musically-gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In addition to the main service, the Royal Horticultural Society will provide wreaths crafted in collaboration with ambassadors and schoolchildren, which will be displayed within the Abbey. Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will create a festive arrangement outside to highlight the significance of nature during the holiday season.

The principal Together at Christmas service will be recorded and transmitted on ITV1 and ITVX, ensuring that the message of unity and love reaches a wider audience. In tandem with this event, 15 additional community carol services will be held across the UK, further extending the outreach of this initiative.

Through the Together at Christmas service, Catherine, Princess of Wales, aims to inspire a spirit of togetherness and highlight the importance of compassion as communities come together to celebrate the festive season.