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The Prince and Princess of Wales’ children joined their parents at a carol service celebrating those supporting youngsters and families.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public for the annual Westminster Abbey event hosted by Kate which has quickly become a firm fixture in the festive royal calendar. This year the service reflects the princess’ early years Shaping Us campaign launched in January, which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child’s life.
It was billed as a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK and among the 1,500 guests were midwives and nursery teachers.
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince George of Wales post letters to Santa before the service (Getty Images)The royal children, George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, aged five, were introduced to the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, outside the Abbey’s great west door when their first arrived with their father William. Kate had travelled ahead of her family to meet and thank the celebrities taking part and she stopped to chat to a number of the young people invited to the event.
And in a heartwarming moment, upon walking into the Abbey the royal children paused for a moment to post Christmas cards in a special postbox, containing messages for children who might be struggling this Christmas - an act of kindness open to all youngsters attending.
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The Princess of Wales earlier said that the service was a way of bringing people together at Christmas time (Getty Images)Among the highlights of the service, which will be televised on Christmas Eve, will be songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier playing last Christmas on John Lennon’s piano, which was owned by Wham! singer and solo-star George Michael and loaned by his estate.
Broadcaster Roman Kemp, the son of Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and former Wham! backing singer Shirlie Kemp, will introduce Collier and talk about the role George Michael played in his life.
Oscar winning star Jim Broadbent will read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien and actor Michael Ward is due to recount the moment shepherds were told by an angel about the birth of Christ and they visited Mary and Joseph, in a reading from Luke’s Gospel.
Kate speaks to a young guest at the service (Getty Images)Arriving guests were treated to carols and Christmas songs performed by the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers including one aged just six.
The service, supported by The Royal Foundation, honours 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 performs 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.
Kate's promo video for the serviceReadings 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”.
Adam Lambert, who is expected to perform, arriving at Westminster Abbey (PA)
Beverley Knight will also perform (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)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.
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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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