Catherine, Princess of Wales to celebrate 'love in all its forms' at carol service
Catherine, Princess of Wales' annual Together at Christmas carol concert will celebrate "love in all its forms" this year.
Catherine, Princess of Wales' annual carol concert will celebrate "love in all its forms" this year.
The 43-year-old royal will host her fifth annual Together at Christmas celebration at London's Westminster Abbey on 5 December and there will be readings from stars including Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, while Bastille frontman Dan Smith will perform.
A statement from Kensington Palace read: "Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir sing some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances and readings by guests including Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
"The Service will also showcase stories of some of the incredible guests in the congregation, who are leading by example and helping to create a more connected society.
"This year, the Service will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms — whether it’s love within families, through friendships, across communities or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.
"In a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all – spanning generations, communities, cultures and faiths."
The service - which is supported by The Royal Foundation - will also highlight the "power of togetherness".
The statement added: "As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the power of togetherness. The evening will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence and joy."
Catherine "wanted to recognise and thank the many people around the country who are acting with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society", and the congregation of 1,600 will have dedicated their time or volunteered with others, launched initiatives to unite their communities or shown kindness and empathy to those around them.
Members of the royal family will also be in attendance, as well as "recognisable" faces" who have shown love to foster compassion and togetherness.
Before guests enter Westminster Abbey, they will hear music from young performers from Future Talent in tribute to Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who died in September aged 92 and co-founded the charity to support musically-gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Royal Horticultural Society are donating wreaths made with their ambassadors and school children for display inside the Abbey, and horticultualist Jamie Butterworth will create a special festive display outside of the venue to highlight the importance of nature.
As well as the main Together at Christmas service - which will be filmed for broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX - 15 other community carol services will be held around the UK.
