04 December 2023 , 15:18
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The Princess of Wales will see members of the Firm rally around her at her annual Christmas concert amid the "royal race row".
On Friday evening, Kate will be hosting her yearly festive carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with this year's event celebrating those who support young children and their families. The annual event began several years ago, with the service filmed and broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.
This year's concert comes just days after the publication of explosive royal book Endgame, which paints unflattering portraits of several royals – including Kate. It also reignited a race storm after the Dutch version of the book – which was recalled – pointed the finger at two senior royals who were alleged to have raised "concerns" about the possible skin colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie, before he was born.
Kate is hosting her annual Christmas Carol concert on Friday (PA)While the English version made no mention of who said what, the Dutch misprint made headlines around the world and saw the book pulled from shelves. And amid the fallout, it has been confirmed that Kate and husband Prince William will be joined by other members of the Royal Family for Friday's festive concert.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed who these royals are, however, last year, the same event was attended by the likes of King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as well as Zara and Mike Tindall. Kate also brought her two eldest children Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, eight, who were affectionately seen kissing and cuddling their grandfather King Charles. Royal fans are hoping the pair will be on this year's guestlist along with their younger brother, five-year-old Prince Louis.
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Last year William and Kate attended the event with Prince George and Princess Charlotte (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)Friday's service will combine traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, and will see the Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s favourite carols. Singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert, multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, performer Freya Ridings and singer-songwriter James Bay will be among the entertainers while those giving readings will include Emma Willlis and Roman Kemp.
In addition, the broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve will also include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye and Andrea and Virginia Bocelli. This year the service will reflect Kate’s early years Shaping Us campaign, launched in January, which aims to highlight the significance of the formative years of a child’s life. It has been billed as a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK.
Those attending have been nominated by lord lieutenants across the country and charities associated with members of the royal family, and alongside guests who work in the early years sector will be those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult. In addition to the Westminster Abbey service, 12 community carol services will be held across the UK, hosted by lord lieutenants and supported by William and Kate’s Royal Foundation.