Everything You Need to Know About Kate Middleton's Annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service (and the Royal Excluded from the Event)

Since 2021, Kate Middleton has been the host of the "Together at Christmas" carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event was originally created to celebrate and honor "community heroes" during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the gathering highlights the theme of "love in all its forms."

For the British royal family, the holiday season features several cherished traditions, with the annual visit to Sandringham and Middletons carol service at Westminster Abbey being among the most notable. "Together at Christmas" has been a fixture in the royal calendar since its inception by the princess amid the pandemic.

Now entering its fifth edition, the service welcomes around 1,600 attendees to enjoy music, carols, and the festive spirit. This years event carries particular significance, as Middleton has recently completed treatment and is now in remission from cancer. In her message to attendees, she wrote, "Christmas reminds us how deeply our lives are intertwined. Just as tree roots share strength beneath the surface, so too are we connected through unseen bonds that give life and support."

The Origins and Evolution of the Event

The inaugural "Together at Christmas" in 2021 aimed to uplift and honor community heroes during a challenging period. Supported by The Royal Foundation, the service featured Middleton in a red dress by Catherine Walker, one of Princess Dianas favored designers, and decorations that included trees donated by Queen Elizabeth II from Windsor Great Park. Musical performances included the Westminster Abbey choir along with Ellie Goulding, Leona Lewis, and Tom Walker, while Prince William read from Luke 2:1-7. Middleton highlighted the collective struggles and the power of community support during the pandemic.

Why This Event Is Special to Middleton

Royal commentator Katie Nicholl describes "Together at Christmas" as Middletons personal project. Especially in 2024, the service symbolized hope and resilience after her cancer diagnosis. Author Judi James noted that Middletons expressive demeanor during the event echoed the presence of Princess Diana, making her engagement appear more heartfelt and animated.

Annual Themes

Each year, the carol service has carried a distinct theme. The first service honored COVID-19 community heroes. In 2022, following the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, the event paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating her values of duty, empathy, faith, service, and compassion. In subsequent years, the focus shifted to supporting children and families and, more recently, encouraging community involvement. This years theme continues that trajectory, emphasizing the visible and invisible bonds that unite people.

2024 Appearance and Emotional Highlights

Kate Middletons 2024 service marked one of her first major public appearances after finishing chemotherapy. Attendees described her as presenting a "brave face" while engaging warmly with guests. Each attendee received a personal letter from the princess reflecting the themes of love, kindness, and gratitude, leaving a strong emotional impression on those present.

Royal Attendance and Exclusions

Similar to the familys Sandringham Christmas, the carol service has selective attendance. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains excluded from the event, a decision reportedly maintained by the Prince and Princess of Wales for several years. In contrast, other royal family members, including Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, have participated in past events.

Author: Caleb Jennings