Kate smiles in front of tree in clip about carol service at Westminster Abbey | UK News
A beaming Princess of Wales poses in front of a Christmas tree in a promotional clip for a ‘special carol service’ at Westminster Abbey.
The service, hosted by Kate, is due to take place at the Gothic abbey in central London on Friday, and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm.
A teaser clip for the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas programme featuring Kate aired on ITV1 at 9.45pm on Thursday.
In it, Kate says: ‘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.’
The service, supported by The Royal Foundation, will honour those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK.
Linked to Kate’s 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’.
The Westminster Abbey choir will perform popular carols, alongside musical performances by the likes of Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet by Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.
![From BBC Studios and the Royal Foundation ROYAL CAROLS : TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December 2023 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: The Princess of Wales The Princess of Wales will return to Westminster Abbey to host a special Christmas carol service on Friday 8th December. This year, the service will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings. 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 Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay. The Abbey will be filled with inspiring individuals and families from all corners of the UK, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers, as well as Members of The Royal Family. It will shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond and will be a chance to celebrate the incredible role they play in raising children and shaping the society of tomorrow. The carol service will see Westminster Abbey filled with festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the special evening which will provide an opportunity to deliver a festive thank you to those who are working so hard to help the youngest members of our society to flourish. (C) The Royal Foundation For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SEI_183186108-216a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C675)
Readings will be given by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent, while a specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, will be read by Leonie Elliott.
The Christmas Eve broadcast will also feature additional content, including an introduction by Kate and films emphasising the importance of early childhood.
It will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.
The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with ‘sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations’.
New features this year include a Christmas post box located outside the abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other youngsters who might be struggling this festive season.
Guests will be treated to carols and Christmas songs upon arrival by the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers including one aged just six.
Attendees 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 early years – a key focus area of Kate’s work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
The audience 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.
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