The Princess of Wales returns to Westminster Abbey to host a special Christmas carol service. This year, the service will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings. Â
Spearheaded by The Princess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time 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 so 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 world-renowned 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 which bring to life the importance of early childhood and celebrate the remarkable contribution people in our communities are making to support the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years. These will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea & Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.
The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop, nodding to the theme of children and families. New features this year include a Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other children who might be struggling this year.
In addition, guests will be treated to carols and Christmas songs upon arrival from the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers, the youngest of which is just 6 years old.
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.Â
Watch Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, at 7:45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve.