Westminster Abbey will be adorned with a Christmas backdrop, with decorations inspired by the natural world—perhaps Prince William, fresh from spearheading his Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town—had a say in the interiors.
For those unable to secure a ticket to London’s historic abbey, fifteen Together at Christmas community carol services will take place throughout the UK—from the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro to Blackpool Tower Circus. Hosted by Lord-Lieutenants, these local concerts will be supported by The Royal Foundation.
Kate Middleton’s traditional carol service has fast become a highlight of the royal calendar since its inception in 2021. Last year, the concert was a celebration of the Princess of Wales’ most treasured cause, taking every opportunity to honor the work of those who support children throughout their early years. In 2022, Together at Christmas was a commemoration of the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the year before that sought to foreground the communities of essential workers who stepped up during the Covid-19 pandemic. During that concert in 2021, viewers were treated to a piano duet between the Princess of Wales and musician Tom Walker.
Above all, many will be thankful to see Kate stepping back into her royal role as holiday host. The Princess of Wales has been making a slow return to duty over the past few months. Her engagements have been spaced out, but highly personal: an appearance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, a trip to Southport to offer counsel to the family’s of July’s knife attacks, and a meeting with fellow cancer patient Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle in October.
In previous years, Kate Middleton was said to be “nervous” ahead of hosting Together at Christmas. Who can say how the Princess of Wales might be feeling before she steps into Westminster Abbey come December—one thing is certain: millions will be pleased to see her.
This article first appeared on Tatler.
