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.
'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.
Pippa made it a trifecta of Middleton ladies in trousers in a Saloni London suit (with thanks to Middleton Maven).
The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a striking lilac Suzannah London coat.
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.
Princess Eugenie repeated a black coat from her wardrobe and styled it with a very chic Bordeaux Aspinal of London bag.
Zara Tindall selected a Claire Mischevani purple coat from her wardrobe. Below, Zara arriving with Peter, Savannah and Isla.
Lady Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman was striking in red Catherine Walker.
And like her sister-in-law, Lady Gabriella Kingston was radiant in Catherine Walker.
The always elegant Duchess of Gloucester.
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.
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.
The Wales family departing.
Another view of the trio.
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.
The Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family will attend the carol service at Westminster Abbey today. 🎄🎄🎄pic.twitter.com/YD5GjVdeFl
— Majesty Magazine & Joe Little (@MajestyMagazine) December 8, 2023
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."
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 :)
I just really wish she would’ve worn a dress for this one.
ReplyDeleteI think she’s trying to make a statement with her pants suits when she is in ‘work mode’ as a way for people to take her charities initiatives more seriously. When it’s a project or initiative that she has a key role in, or is spearheading, she seems to wear the pants instead of dresses. I think it was interesting both her sister & her mother wore pants as well. It was definitely a statement and intentional choice imho.
DeleteI thought the same thing at the first look, but then I saw all the pictures talking with the children and thought she must have hoped to move a little more freely.
DeletePersonally, I think I dress would have looked more formal and very appropriate, but I would have wanted the pants as well.
Annie
NY, USA
Agree
DeleteMerry Christmas to all!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see Kate, William and all of the family out for Christmas celebrations!
I love the way you Brits pull out the stops, of course the lights and decorations are very pretty but, you also have so many church celebrations for the one true reason we celebration Christmas.
On a fashion note, I really like all the hoiiday Christmas coats!
Well done Kate and we'll done Charlotte
Love love love love her outfit from head to toe!!! What a joy to see the whole family together!! Love this time of year!! I too, hope we can get a link to see this show across the pond!! 🤍🤍
DeleteIs this the same coat she wore in wales in march?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the same one and designed by Chris Kerr.
DeleteHe also designed the light blue coat worn when the then Cambridges viewed their formal portraits in Cambridge.
How nice it is to see so many members of the Royal Family and Catherine's family there to support this joyful occasion. It's also a delight to see so many children attending, not just family, but from charities as well. I think I too would have preferred the Princess in a dress for this event. Beatrice takes the prize for me!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Charlotte for the beautiful post! I like Kate’s outfit, but for this festive occasion I was thinking she might have selected a dress instead. It’s a lovely outfit, it just seems a bit casual to me for the occasion. Enjoyed seeing the whole family attend! Just darling!
ReplyDeleteJoanne in CA
Have to add that I really like Pippa's pantsuit. And how gorgeous is Beatrice?? Her hair looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteKate's outfit reminded me of something Meghan would wear; I like it and my favourite bit was how the earrings complemented the look. Beatrice looked amazing; I particularly liked her hair and am positively envious! Carole and Pippa underwhelmed but it's lovely that they're so supportive. I liked Louis in trousers (I think it might have been the first time we've seen him in trousers) and especially his boots. If I'm not mistaken, Charlotte looked identical to last year (on one of her appearances anyway) but I guess that helps with keeping her profile a bit lower which isn't a bad thing. I really like this tradition.
ReplyDeleteBecause Meghan actually did wear all white. What you see, is not by chance. I was not a fan of that back then, and I don't like this combo either. Kate is in a style rut, she thinks wearing the same item of clothing at different colours of the rainbow for months, makes her stylish. It doesn't.
DeleteI was underwhelmed by them all, especially Pippa. Hideous outfit.
What an elegant outfit! It looks pretty with that flowy, open coat and I love the pants. It looks good that the shoes are an ever so slightly darker shade. The earrings look good, too. The whole family as a unit are stunning and the white pops. Such a treat for us to see the kids! Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteKate looked fabulous! I’m a big fan of winter white ☺️
ReplyDeletePrincess Beatrice has really upped her style in the last couple of years. Glad to see all the young cousins enjoying themselves. -celticgirl
ReplyDeleteAnon 00:26, Beatrice now uses the services of a stylist called Olivia Buckingham. She has really helped Princess Beatrice to up her fashion game.
DeleteI love Kate’s outfit, my favorite though would happen to be princess Beatrice’s. I noticed that Kate is tending to were more trousers since the Queens passing. Was it because the queen preferred royal woman to wear dresses during engagements?
ReplyDeleteCatherines outfit looks fabulous, the coat is gorgeous. Love the pants. Lady Frederick Windsor's coat is beautiful, very stylish and elegant.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Charlotte, and to all our fellow readers. Thank you Charlotte, for your tireless work on this blog. It is appreciated by so many, and you set the standard for kindness, and gentility. My love to all.
ReplyDeleteTedi
It was really nice that a number of members of the extended royal family attended supporting Catherine and the event. In addition to those in the arrival photos shared above, I saw Lady Rose Gilman and her husband George. They were sitting with her parents, the Gloucesters directly behind the Wales family. Others attending were Lady Sarah Chatto, her husband Daniel and their eldest son Samuel, Prince Michael was with his daughter, and Lord Frederick and two daughters were with his wife.
ReplyDeleteThe extended family turnout for this event is really good. There aren't many events outside of things like Trooping the Colour and remembrance that you see this many at once.
DeleteSome times not even at weddings. It would usually be the late Queen's family lunch before they head off to Sandringham for Christmas. S.🙂.
DeletePrincess Catherine is enchanting, as always. Her beautiful family are a testament to her mothering skills, along with Prince William. What a lovely service.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo at the top of your post could be their Christmas card!
ReplyDeleteI’m probably in the minority but I’d be happy if she never wore a stuffy Catherine Walker coat dress ever again, so I love seeing her in stylish neutrals and trousers! It reminds me of something Meghan would wear, actually!
I also don't want to see another coat dress ever. And no more polka dots please. I have nothing against pants, but there are SO many fabrics and patterns and prints available. I am tired of anything monotone at this point. Her tour clothes were so much fun.
DeletePictures show a lovely Carol Service! Thank you Charlotte. Wonderful to see so many family members present in support of the Princess of Wales’ endeavours. The service is such a special way to thank those who work in support of others and to bring some cheer to those who are experiencing hardship. On another note, I can just imagine Carole and her daughters calling each other to discuss what they should wear, likely even coordinating looks. Maybe the reason they are all wearing trousers? All looked stunning this evening. I particularly liked Pippa’s outfit. Such a great look for the winter months!
ReplyDeleteI loved the winter white ensemble on Catherine. I would like to see a different coat and dress on Princess Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice looks so good. Especially her retro hairstyle. She is becoming my fast favourite too. Love seeing her with Edo n wolfie is so cute. Lady Gabriella always looks simply beautiful everytime i her, something very ladylike n seerene about her
ReplyDeleteI love this event not only to see Kate & William & children but also all the relatives. Kate looked wonderful and I’m thinking the Middleton women discussed that it would be a trouser night for all of them. I thought both Beatrice and Eugenie looked fabulous tonight and I can’t believe how grown up the Tindall girls are getting! Such a lovely Christmas event & tradition this service is!
ReplyDeleteDona, the girls are actually Savannah and Isla Phillips. But I can't believe how grown up they are getting anyway! 😁 Zora from Prague
DeleteI think it was Peter's daughters not Zara's.
DeleteThanks for the correction. Got the families mixed up. Since posting my first comment I also saw picture of Louis blowing out Charlotte’s candle at the end of the service. I have young grandchildren and if they did that there would be pushing, shoving and wining about it. Kate & William have raised very well behaved children!!
DeleteThat is a very sharp and true observation, Donna! 😉 Zora from Prague
DeleteThe overwhelming desire from so many for Kate to wear a dress is getting tedious. Has anyone wishing her to wear a dress tried to crouch down to chat with children in heels and a dress? These desires are tone deaf especially on this evening when she spent so much time chatting to very little people. Give it a break. She looks spectacular as always and like a modern woman.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, she has worn many dresses and crouched down to talk to children. She just has tights on and of course has a reasonable length. So ya, very doable.
DeleteSophie outshines everyone!
ReplyDeleteShe does look wonderful. A very attractive woman. The media generally ignores her but she does some really worthwhile work.
DeleteA great event:) Loved seeing al the family attending. Love Catherines look, I prefer a belt with a pant that has belt loops, but I get that this pant was not made to be worn with a belt:):) Catherine, William and the kids all looked so lovely. Ali
ReplyDeleteShe looks stunning with a beautiful family. thank you Charlotte for a lovely post and Happy Christmas to everyone
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this event; seeing the kids was especially heartwarming! Charlotte is such a sweet, lovely girl. My favourite looks beside Kate are Duchess of Gloucester and Zara Tindall. Thank you, Charlotte! Zora from Prague
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to see the adorable Wales children.
ReplyDeleteI love the color of the coat worn by the Duchess of Gloucester. She looks terrific.
Wow! Prince Louis wearing trousers 😄!
ReplyDeleteOn a fashion note the coats of Sophie and Beatrice are the best for me.
ReplyDeleteLove that shade of blue on Sophie!
DeleteThe Duchess of Edinburgh got slated for her brown boots. I didn't even notice, I saw a beautiful shade of blue on a beautiful Woman who looks amazing for her age. Princess Beatrice is just gone to another level. Stunning yet again. I don't think it's all down to her new stylest. I think married life really suits her and she is just glowing. S.🙂.
DeleteLove the winter white, but Katherine’s trousers and handbag are too casual for the very refined and elegant Kerr coat. Pippa wins tonight in a beautiful, well tailored pants suit.
ReplyDeleteI really wasn't expecting white but it works and I love it. The Princess looked stunning. Perfect choice of earrings if not going with diamond's. All the Royal family brought their A game and looked great. Especially The Princesses of York. Lovely to see Wolfie there last night. My fashion highlight has to be a certain young Prince wearing big boy pants. 🤣. Then I noticed his boots and thought WHAT. When I looked again I thought very sharp and really worked very well with his look. I wouldn't want to be in his boots over the weekend. His big Sister is smiling when he blew out her candle. If you look at the video just after it there is some serious side eye from Charlotte and then he's looking very sheppish when he catches his Mother's eye. That was a large turn out from the extended Royal family. Nice to see Prince Michael and Prince Richard there as well. It looks like it was a very successful evening. Well done to The Princess of Wales. Thanks Charlotte. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned Beatrice's hair, and agree, her hair was beautifully styled! A great look for her. Ali
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add. The Princess working with Chris Kerr from Savile Row can only be a good thing. Fingers crossed he will start dressing Prince William in some very smart clothes. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteThere were many nice looks on the ladies, but Carole Middleton looks like she raided Fergie's closet for that jacket. Carole can look elegant, but this was a miss.
ReplyDeletePippa looked great.
They have just released their Christmas card for 2023. It's a beautiful black and white photograph. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of the all white look. At Christmas time it’s really a wise and daring choice. Even if a little hint of color (maybe green ?) for the shoes and the bag would have enhanced the whole look.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see The Duchess of Edinburgh with her lovely boots, I tell myself that I can't wait to see Kate again with hers ! I wish she wore them more often in winter instead of her eternal pumps.
Catherine’s clothing was beautiful but I really wish she’d have about 6” cut off her hair. It’s starting to look stringy.
ReplyDeleteThe coat is beautiful. Not so sure about the trousers, especially worn with those beige shoes. Looking at the photos of Kate kneeling to talk to the children made me genuinely anxious - any scrap of dirt from the floor would ruin the look of the outfit in a moment! My first prize goes to Princess Beatrice, runner up Pippa Matthews. Sarah, UK
ReplyDeleteI thought Pippa’s outfit was a hit, too. Original, stylish, cheerful in color.
DeleteThe Christmas carol service is such a lovely initiative by Kate and all the people who get to attend by serving their communities in an extraordinary way is by far the most beautiful thing to celebrate. Kate looked lovely in her winter white outfit and the family together looking happy. So nice to see the extended family and Beatrice was stunning. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI love Sophie’s dress and coat! Very pretty! I like Kate’s outfit but not for this event. I wish she wore a dress too. What better time for dresses than Christmas? I love the coat. Shoes are nice. On a fashion standpoint, I am getting tired of the same pant suit sets over and over just in different colors and a different collar. I miss her dresses!
ReplyDeleteI liked the coat, the white colour and try to forget the trousers. Best dressed, lady Gabriela.
ReplyDeleteBut it lovely that this has become an annual event. Like a winter garden party. And seeing the extended family is so nice. Very cheerful and excellent initiative from Kate.
I have many comments. The first I just have to say right off the bat, it will be out of my system and I will never speak of it again.
ReplyDelete1) For the LOVE OF GOD, NO MORE BLUE on the Wales! No MORE, no kids in it, no husbands in it, no more.
2) Thank you for the forgiveness of the rude comment I just made, now onto the good stuff. LOVE the white on Kate. I, like others, would have liked to see a dress-perhaps like Sophie's, because I think this ensemble presents business, when this is a festive, cheerful event. Kate still, of course, looks stunning, it's just a preference.
3) The picture of Louis walking with his candle is darling. He and Prince George are so tall I sometimes forget their young ages.
4) I really love the black and white photo Chris Jackson took with Charlotte standing in the middle of her relatives holding her candle. It was really beautiful.
5) I have really enjoyed this event, kudos to Kate for this idea, it's wonderful to see the extended family all dressed up.
I love Kate’s outfit! So elegant and love the clean lines! Reminds me on something that Meghan would wear. Beatrice looks absolutely stunning though. Her look is my favorite tonight. Petra
ReplyDeleteEC Anon here. I'm always so critical of Kate but I want to give a win when a win is due. I think this event is absolutely lovely, festive, and is rightly becoming a fan favorite. I think I might be in the minority here though...I really liked the shoes with the all white. Did it match? Not really, but every time I see them in these pictures, I can't help but be reminded of holiday cookies and that brings a hug smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteI think Catherine might have done better to wear a turtle neck like neckline with this lovely, winter white ensemble. It's a cozy look, both in color and material, and certainly the event calls for a warm look. The exposed neck was not my favorite. I am sure I am in the minority.
ReplyDelete