It was a festive afternoon at Westminster Abbey for the Princess of
Wales' annual 'Together at Christmas' carol concert.
The event sees a host of immediate and extended family members and friends
join those invited from charities around the country. The focus this year is
on highlighting early years and fittingly bookends a year which began with
Kate's campaign Shaping Us.
The Princess arrived about half an hour before William and the children and
spent time greeting guests.
One of Kate's first ports of call was a chat with several Scouts.
The Mirror reports:
'Kate walked around the Abbey before the concert started speaking to
young people who have done inspiring activities. She chatted to four
scouts from the 3rd Upton Scout Group in Slough her family visited during
the coronation celebration weekend, part of The Big Help Out event,
helping to renovate their hut.
The princess told them "It was really inspiring-seriously good job" and
high-fived each scout in turn. Kate crouched down to chat to
seven-year-old Oscar Burrow, from Lancaster, who when aged six climbed 12
mountains raising more than £40,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice in
Chorley, Lancashire.
His mother Kimberley Burrow said afterwards: "She said she'd heard about
what he's done and he's doing a fantastic job, and hopes what he's doing
will inspire other children to do amazing things."
Kensington Palace said: "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."
A spokesperson continued: "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."
The Princess greets Adam Lambert (who reportedly performed a fabulous duet
with Beverly Knight singing 'The Christmas Song').
As in previous years, a host of invitations were extended. Members of the
royal press rota including the Sunday Times' Roya Nikkhah and the Daily Mail's
royal correspondent Rebecca English shared their invitations on social media.
In terms of family members there was a significant turnout, though the King and
Queen were absent this year, almost certainly due to hectic diary commitments.
I haven't seen any photos of James and Alizée Middleton; the couple welcomed
their first child, a son named Inigo in October. Below, Michael and Carole
Middleton arriving. With many thanks to Royal Fashion Police, it appears
Carole is wearing a look by Great Scot Scotland.
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Pippa made it a trifecta of Middleton ladies in trousers in a Saloni London
suit (with thanks to Middleton Maven).
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The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a striking lilac Suzannah London coat.
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Princess Beatrice continues to impress with her sartorial choices and has fast
become a style favourite of mine. Today, she hit all the right notes in the
Beulah London 'Ahana' tartan dress. Beatrice and Edo arrived with Edo's son
Christopher Wolfe. Known affectionately as 'Wolfie', it's lovely to observe
the wonderful relationship he has with Beatrice.
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Princess Eugenie repeated a black coat from her wardrobe and styled it with a
very chic Bordeaux Aspinal of London bag.
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Zara Tindall selected a Claire Mischevani purple coat from her wardrobe.
Below, Zara arriving with Peter, Savannah and Isla.
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Lady Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman was striking in red Catherine Walker.
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And like her sister-in-law, Lady Gabriella Kingston was radiant in
Catherine Walker.
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The always elegant Duchess of Gloucester.
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From there, Kate returned outside to welcome William and the children.
Before stepping inside, George, Charlotte and Louis had an important job to do: posting their cards in a handmade postbox located outside the Abbey. It
offers children the opportunity to reach out to others who may be struggling
this year for many reasons. They will be distributed to several charities and
hospitals Kate works with, including Evelina London, East Anglia's Children's
Hospices, Child Bereavement UK and British Red Cross.
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The royals took their seats as candles were lit.
It was, as always of course, a joy to see Prince George, Princess Charlotte
and Prince Louis accompanying their parents.
Undoubtedly, all three are looking forward to their Christmas holidays which
begin next Friday and enjoying another memorable Sandringham Christmas.
A lovely photo of Kate and Louis.
Westminster Abbey always looks spectacular at this time of year.
I adore seeing all the extra additions and decorations added for the carol
concert. This year, there was a focus on sustainability. The Abbey was decked
out in eco-conscious pieces.
A lovely shot of Princess Charlotte beside Edo Mappelli Mozzi and a number of
relatives.
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The Wales family departing.
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Another view of the trio.
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Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 7:45 pm on
Christmas Eve (I very much hope to be able to share a link with our readers
outside the UK on Christmas morning. It usually pops up on YouTube). In
preparation, Kate filmed a teaser at Westminster Abbey and said: "Join me this
Christmas Eve for a special carol service. As we say a heartfelt thank you to
all those supporting the very youngest members of our society, during those
crucial early years." Kate wore a sold-out Self-Portrait jacket and her
Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore earrings.
What can we expect on Christmas Eve? Kensington Palace reveals: "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."
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More from the
Mail Online:
'Presenter Roman Kemp will introduce the special rendition of Last
Christmas on Lennon's piano, talking about the role George Michael played
in his own life – his mother, Shirlie Kemp, was one of his backing singers
- and the story of the piano itself.
A source told the Mail that the instrument had been loaned by his estate
who were keen to support this year's service.
Lennon, who was killed by gunman Mark Chapman in December 1980, bought
the piano in 1970 and had it delivered to studios at his home in
Tittenhurst Park, Berkshire.
He composed and recorded Imagine on it the following year, and was filmed
playing the song on it for the first time to wife Yoko Ono and the Plastic
Ono band.'
The Princess was decked out in elegant winter white for the service. Kate's
beautifully crafted coat is a bespoke creation by Chris Kerr.
Yahoo reports:
'It’s rare these days for the Princess to introduce a new label to her
wardrobe, so it’s especially fascinating to see her wearing a longline coat by
Savile Row tailor Chris Kerr whose work is usually with male clients. Kerr has
previously created costumes for Downton Abbey and Dr Who and made suits for
celebrities as varied as Nick Cave, Keanu Reeves and Paddy McGuiness.'
Kate wore a new pair of Holland Cooper trousers (with thanks to Middleton
Maven). The
Victoria High Waisted Straight Trousers are available in a variety of colours and sizes.
Kate carried the
Strathberry Mosaic Bag
in oat. It's available here.
Kate accessorised with her statement Van Cleef & Arpels. The Magic
Alhambra earrings retailed for £5,400. The collection is described: "Created
in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather
different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance. Inspired
by the clover leaf, their asymmetric designs feature different associations of
materials."
Kate completed the look with her bisque suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
On that note, I hope you all have a great weekend and your own Christmas
preparations are coming along nicely :)
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