Catherine, Princess of Wales to host special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey

The Princess of Wales will host a special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

This year’s service will allow people an opportunity to thank those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK.

Spearheaded by Catherine, Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.

Linked to Her Royal Highness’ “Shaping Us” campaign, the service will showcase the hope of new life and why it is important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives.

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.

Poignant readings will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, will also be read by Leonie Elliott.

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing at 7:45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve.

The broadcast will feature additional content including an introduction from The Princess of Wales and films that bring to life the importance of early childhood and celebrate the contribution that people in communities across the UK are making to support the very youngest members of society during their crucial early years.

These will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea & Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.

Guests attending the service have been nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation, in addition to charities associated with members of the Royal Family.

They will be joined by those working in the early years space, which is a key focus area of The Princess of Wales’s work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

It will also consist of those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult.

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas is on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX.