The Princess of Wales was supported by her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as they stepped out to mark the royal’s annual Christmas carol concert.
This year will feature poignant readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection, with the Prince of Wales, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé and Joe Locke billed to speak at the festive soiree. There will also be performances from the likes of Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk music group, Fisherman’s Friends.
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham had been scheduled to perform, but just as guests started to arrive, it was confirmed that the actress had been forced to withdraw; her replacement is singer Zak Abel. HELLO! understands that Hannah dropped out after her voice became compromised due to her busy work schedule; she will still be attending the service as a guest.
The concert will also pay a special tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, who passed away at the age of 92 on 4 September 2025. During her life, the late royal was involved in music education, and in 2004, she co-founded Future Talent to help musically gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with music by eight young performers aged between 13 and 18 who have benefitted from the charity’s work. They will be performing as a brass ensemble specially brought together for the event.
HELLO!’s royal editor, Emily Nash, is at tonight’s event, and speaking of the atmosphere, she explained: “What touched me the most was seeing others there whose stories touched William and Kate and countless more of us over the course of the past year. They included Rhian Mannings, whose story of losing her child to illness and her husband to suicide left the Prince tearful, and Steven Frank, the Holocaust survivor who I watched Kate greet with an enormous hug when they were reunited back in January.
WATCH: Princess Kate joined by children for annual carol concert
Emily concluded: “Over five years now the Princess has pulled off a wonderful festive treat for her guests and somehow this one felt more personal than ever.”
Scroll down to see the best photos from the event…
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The Princess of Wales looked beautiful
Gorgeous in green
The royal looked amazing as she turned up to the event in a stylish green dress.
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Kate’s family were proud to support their mum
William and the children arrive
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were some of the final guests to arrive, and the children colour-coordinated their outfits with their father.
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William looked after his brood
Parental duties
In the cold weather, William was seen keeping his eye on his children, putting a protective arm around his daughter, Charlotte.
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The royal children took part in the events
Connection tree
Before entering the Abbey, the royals heads to the ‘Connection Tree’, a fixture that invited guests to add their names to paper chain running along the tree. The purpose was represent to the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.
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Louis sweetly wrote his name
Royal handwriting
The sweet gesture allowing us a rare glimpse of the royal children’s handwriting.
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The young royal braved the elements
Charlotte’s smile
Charlotte had a shuge smile as she showed up to support her mum.
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Kate and Charlotte shared a laugh
Mother-daughter moment
Kate and Charlotte shared a sweet mother-daughter moment as they were seen smiling before heading into the Abbey.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala
The Wales family were united
Carol service
The family were all sat together for the carol concert.
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Duchess Sophie looked fabulous in her burgundy outfit
Duchess Sophie
The Duchess of Edinburgh was one of the senior royals at the event, and she arrived in a glam burgundy coat.
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Mike and Zara chatted to actress Hannah Waddingham
Tindalls have a chat
Zara and Mike Tindall were seen chatting to actress Hannah Waddingham. The star had been due to perform at the concert.
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Kate’s family showed up show their support
Middleton family arrive
Members of the Middleton family were also in attendance to support Kate. Carole Middleton was seen smiling as she and her husband, Michael, were joined by their son, James, and his wife, Alizee Thevenet.
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The royal was seen in a wheelchair
Prince Michael of Kent
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The Windsor family were among the guests
Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor
Lord Frederick Windsor was joined by his wife, Sophie Winkleman, and their daughters, Isabella and Maud, for the event. One of their daughters was a little shy, and was seen covering her face with her hands as they entered.
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The royal couple supported Kate
Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke and Duchess og Gloucester were among the royals who were seen arriving for the service.
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Mary looked fantastic as she arrived
Glam guests
Plenty major stars showed up to support the Princess of Wales, including Mary Berry, who wore a stylish black fur coat to the event.
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Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy showed his support
Hollywood stars
Another high-profile star at the event was Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy, who earlier this year teamed up with the Prince of Wales for his Apple TV+ show.
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Joe Locke, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet will all give readings
Speakers
Among those giving readings during the concert are Heartstopper star Joe Locke, Love Actually’s Chiwetal Ejiofor and actress Kate Winslet.
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The Humes clan attended the event
Rochelle and the family
The Humes family were all smiles as they made a grand entrance at the carol concert.
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The heavens had opened for when the royals departed
Sophie’s glamorous exit
By the time the concert ended, it had started raining. Thankully, there were plenty of umbrellas on hand for the departing royals.
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Louis is the youngest of the Wales family
Louis’ candle
Prince Louis could be seen holding a candle towards the end of the service.
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