Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Royal Family has turned out in force for the Christmas carol service organised by the Princess of Wales.
As Catherine’s Together at Christmas celebrate reached its fourth year, many members of the House of Windsor were at Westminster Abbey for the event.
The Princess arrived early to check final arrangements and meet some of the performers. The Prince of Wales arrived later with their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9 and six year old Prince Louis.
Although The King and Queen didn’t attend, they did send trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the Abbey.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was among the first of the royal guests to arrive while Princess Beatrice attended with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and her stepson, Christopher.
Zara Tindall won plenty of fashion points for her festive deep claret velvet trouser suit and looked delighted to be at the service, beaming broadly at the Princess of Wales at one point.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended along with the Duke of Kent. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent joined the Royal Family as did their daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, who earlier this week attended the inquest into the death of her husband, Thomas, who died earlier this year.
Lord Frederick Windsor and his wife, Sophie, brought along their two girls, Maud and Isabella, while there were also rare public appearances from the Earl of St. Andrews and Lady Sarah Chatto who was present with her two sons, Samuel and Arthur.
The theme of this year’s service was love and empathy and the support that everyone needs, particularly at the most difficult points in their lives.
Prince William gave a reading while Sir Chris Hoy, Adam Peaty and Paloma Faith all took part in the celebration.
Over 1,600 guests, who have given support to others, were invited to the service. Each of them was given an order of service with a special illustration by Charlie Mackesy as well as a letter from the Princess of Wales thanking them for their care for others.
Outside the Abbey was a Kindness Tree where guests could place handwritten messages about those who have cared for them. Prince Louis left a note dedicated to his ”granny and grandpa” saying ”they have played games with me”.
Together at Christmas will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.