Princess of Wales lines up starry cast for annual Westminster Abbey carol service billed as ‘celebration of love’
The Princess of Wales will bring festive cheer to Westminster Abbey next week with the help of a group of celebrity supporters.
With readings and performances from stars including Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Hannah Waddingham, and even wreaths made by Dame Mary Berry, Kate’s annual Christmas carol service together will kick off the royal family’s seasonal celebrations in style.
Members of the Royal Family will join the princess on Friday at the event billed as a ‘celebration of love’.
Prince William will give a reading and the couple are expected to be joined by their children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis, at the fifth annual event.
Spearheaded by the Princess and supported by her and William’s charitable arm, the Royal Foundation, the service will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – ‘love within families, through friendships, love across communities or powerful moments of kindness between strangers’.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attended the Royal Foundation Carol Service at Westminster Abbey last year
This year’s ceremony will feature readings and performances from stars including Kate Winslet (left), Chiwetel Ejiofor (center) and Hannah Waddingham (right).
The service will specifically celebrate people who dedicate or volunteer their time to be with others, lead initiatives that bring people together in their communities, or lend a helping hand to those around them.
The service, which includes people of all faiths and beliefs, will see carol singing by the Westminster Abbey choir, as well as musical performances by Miss Waddingham, Dan Smith of Bastille, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk band Fisherman’s Friends.
1,600 guests will also enjoy performances by young talent from Platinum Performing Arts, a community organization based in Edmonton, North London.
The candles will be lit by people William and Kate have met in recent years and by those attending the ceremony.
The Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett will also donate wreaths to be displayed at Westminster Abbey. These were made in partnership with schoolchildren and RHS supporters, including Dame Mary Berry and comedian Tom Allen.
The event will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve and will be repeated on Christmas Day morning.
