Prince William was on full dad duty as the Royal Family came
together for the Christmas carol service of the Princess of
Wales.
And as the heir to the throne arrived at Westminster Abbey with
his three children, he had one very sweet gesture to make sure his
wife’s special event started on the perfect note.
A special ”Connection” tree had been placed outside, adorned by
a giant paper chain. Every guest was invited to write their own
name on a piece of red paper and then loop it into the chain to
show the power of togetherness and the importance of connection
with each other.
After Kate had welcomed her husband and children as they stepped
out of their car, Prince William revealed he had the three loops
for George, Charlotte and Louis ready.
Prince George, 12, went first, taking his loop and carefully
adding it to the garland around the tree. Princess Charlotte, 10,
took a few moments to help 7 year old Prince Louis.
And once all three loops were added to the tree, it was dad duty
again for William. The Princess of Wales had ended up with the
labels that had kept the glue on the loops safe before it was
needed. The Prince of Wales offered his hand and took away the
rubbish so that his wife could carry on with hosting duties.
The Wales family were greeted y the clergy waiting at the door
and were given a very special message as they told them all,
individually, ‘welcome back’ to Westminster Abbey.
The church has a special place in royal history and George,
Charlotte and Louis were all inside its ancient walls for the
Coronation of King Charles III, watching as their grandfather was
crowned Monarch in a glittering ceremony in May 2023.
They have all been regulars at the carol service, too. And the
Abbey is particularly special to William and Kate as they were
married there in April 2011.
Over 1,600 guests attended Together at Christmas this year
including several members of the Royal Family.
The Duchess of Edinburgh led the way, arriving in a festive red
coat, while Zara and Mike Tindall added their support and also
chatted with Hannah Waddingham, the star presenter and singer who
was forced to withdraw from her role in the ceremony at the last
minute after illness.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also there with their
two daughters, Lady Rose Gilman and Lady Davina Windsor, and
several of their grandchildren.
Lord Frederick Windsor and his wife, Sophie, have been long time
supporters of the service as well as good friends to the Prince and
Princess of Wales and they arrived to enjoy the latest festive
celebration organised by Kate.
The Princess of Wales was also surrounded by her parents.
Michael and Carole Middleton arrived just before the service
started, accompanied by their son, James, and his wife, Alizee.
The service included readings by the Prince of Wales and Oscar
winning actress, Kate Winslet.
Together at Christmas will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas
Eve.
