On December 5, 2025, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales hosted her fifth annual ‘Together at Christmas Carol Service’ at Westminster Abbey in London – a festive event that attracted a royal crowd and some notable absentees.
Princess Kate hosts a Christmas carol service
Designed as a celebration of community, compassion and unity, the service brought together around 1,600 guests, including volunteers, community workers, celebrities and members of the royal family.
Among the early arrivals were royal figures such as Zara Tindall with her husband Mike Tindall – soon followed by Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife and their two daughters. Lady Sarah Chatto, representing the branch of the family descended from the late Princess Margaret, was also present. Other guests included the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duchess of Gloucester and the royal cousin Prince Michael of Kent.
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For Kate, the evening was a return to a favorite tradition. She arrived dressed in a forest green coat with faux fur trim – a re-wear from a previous engagement – teamed with a tartan skirt and dark green boots, a choice that struck a festive and sustainable tone.
She was joined by her husband Prince William and their three children – Prince George of Wales (12), Princess Charlotte of Wales (10) and Prince Louis of Wales (7). For the children, it was their first public appearance together in six months – a picture of family unity amid their growing royal duties.
Prince William and Princess Kate with their three children – George, Charlotte and Louis.
The service included carols and readings designed to resonate with the theme of love in all its forms: in families, friendships, communities – even among strangers.
Performances by the Westminster Abbey Choir were joined by musical contributions and artistic readings from notable guests such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Actors Joe Locke, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet arrive at the venue for Princess Kate’s carol service.
Ahead of the event, Kate released a heartfelt letter to attendees highlighting how the smallest acts of kindness – a listening ear, a helping hand, a moment of comfort – forge quieter but stronger bonds across society. “At a time when life can sometimes seem fragmented or uncertain,” she wrote, “the Christmas season invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generous hearts, understanding, and hope.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla will miss the event
Although the evening was brimming with warmth and festive spirit, there were a few notable absences. King Charles III and Queen Camilla – who attended the 2022 service, held just months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death – were absent this year. Their absence subtly elevated Kate and William to senior royals in attendance.
A Buckingham Palace statement released after the event offered recognition to the Princess of Wales and acknowledged her efforts, while confirming that the annual service remains a personal initiative championed by Kate herself.
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As the evening ended under the candlelit arches of Westminster Abbey, the service reaffirmed its purpose – to honor compassion, community and shared humanity. And on December 5, the Wales family stood at the fore, reminding the nation what Christmas is really about: togetherness, kindness and hope for all.
