New details have emerged about the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas carol concert, just days before the highly anticipated event.
Kate Middleton will host the fifth edition of the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 5. The concert will welcome 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms—through families, friendships, communities, and acts of kindness between strangers.
This year, the lineup of performers has been expanded, featuring singer-songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends, and rising star Griff. For the first time, an illustrator will be on-site, capturing live sketches of the atmosphere inside the Abbey.
The Princess of Wales will be joined by Prince William, who will deliver a reading, and royal fans are hoping to see their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—make an appearance alongside other members of the royal family. The concert will also include performances from actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from the pop-rock band Bastille.
The service will honour people from across the UK who have devoted their time to supporting others—whether through volunteering, leading community initiatives, or simply offering a helping hand.
Readings reflecting the themes of love, compassion, and connection will be delivered by Hollywood actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comedian Babatunde Aleshe, and rising star Joe Locke. Their presentations will be accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Guests will witness candles being lit by people William and Kate have met over the years, as well as by other participants in the service. The event will highlight the stories of some attendees who are working to foster a more compassionate and connected society.
A festive display designed by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth, celebrating the importance of nature, will welcome guests, while the Royal Horticultural Society will contribute wreaths crafted by their ambassadors—including Dame Mary Berry—and local schoolchildren.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to add their names to a ‘connection tree,’ symbolising the power of togetherness and the value of meaningful moments shared with others.
The service will also feature the late Duchess of Kent’s charity, Future Talent, which she co-founded to support musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds. A brass ensemble of eight teenagers will perform as guests arrive.
Across the UK, 15 community carol services are set to take place, all embracing the same theme of love and togetherness. Venues include the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury, and a community farm in Gwent.
These community events will be hosted by local lord-lieutenants and supported by The Royal Foundation, taking place in locations such as Armagh, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Dumfries, Dyfed, East Riding, Gwent, Greater Manchester, Isle of Wight, Lanarkshire, Nottinghamshire, Renfrewshire & Ayrshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.