The Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas carol service will proceed this year, celebrating individuals from across the UK who have demonstrated compassion, kindness, and empathy towards those in need. Kensington Palace confirmed that the fourth Together At Christmas service will be held at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
This year’s event follows a challenging period for the princess, who has significantly reduced her public appearances due to a cancer diagnosis—a time Prince William recently described as the most difficult period of his life. Over the past weekend, the princess reemerged in the public eye, attending multiple Remembrance events, marking her first major engagements since completing chemotherapy.
Organized with the support of the Royal Foundation, which backs the work of the prince and princess, the service will welcome around 1,600 guests, including other members of the royal family. Among the attendees will be individuals who have made a meaningful impact on their communities by offering support through personal efforts, professional work, or volunteerism. Those honored have been nominated by royal-affiliated charities or lord lieutenants representing the King throughout the UK.
The event will feature musical performances by artists such as Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, and Gregory Porter. It will be filmed and broadcast on ITV1 as part of a special Christmas Eve program. In addition to the Westminster Abbey service, fifteen other Together At Christmas events will be hosted across the country, including locations such as the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and Blackpool Tower Circus.
Kensington Palace stated that the service offers “a moment to reflect upon the significance of love and empathy and the vital support we provide each other during life’s most challenging moments.” It emphasized that the event aims to “shine a light on people from across the UK who have shown love, kindness, and empathy within their communities.”
The princess’s intent for the service is to “honor and celebrate individuals who support those in need—people who have inspired, comforted, counseled, and shown that love is the greatest gift of all.” This year’s theme draws inspiration from the Christmas story, highlighting the importance of understanding others’ experiences and fostering the human connection of giving and receiving empathy.
