Princess Kate has invited a live illustrator to next week's Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which has been designed to welcome “all faiths and none”, according to Kensington Palace.
The fifth Together at Christmas event, taking place on Friday, December 5, will bring together 1,600 people from across the UK for a service centred on themes of love, compassion and community connection.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend alongside other members of the Royal Family.
Zara and Mike Tindall have already confirmed they will attend the carol service when questioned at a red carpet appearance earlier this week.
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Other members of the Royal Family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are expected to attend, though Kensington Palace has not confirmed the full list. It is thought that the King and Queen are not attending.
The event, spearheaded by the Princess and supported by the Royal Foundation, aims to recognise people who have supported others in their families, workplaces and communities, as well as those who have led initiatives that bring people together irrespective of their background or beliefs.
Organisers say the service will incorporate both traditional and modern elements to ensure it is inclusive of guests “of all faiths and none”.
The service will highlight stories from individuals across the congregation who have demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and support for others in their communities.
Princess Kate to host Christmas carol service for ‘all faiths and none’ at Westminster Abbey
|GETTY
Guests will also be joined by a live illustrator, who will be sketching scenes inside the Abbey in real time to capture the atmosphere of the evening. However, GB News understands that no decision has been made about what will happen to the sketches.
Alongside the Westminster Abbey choir performing well-known carols, the evening will feature musical performances from Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends.
Young performers from Platinum Performing Arts, a community organisation based in Edmonton, north London, will also take part.
Throughout the evening, readings linked to the themes of love, compassion and connection will be delivered by The Prince of Wales, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé and Joe Locke. Locke’s reading will feature accompaniment from pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
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Princess Kate pictured alongside the Royal Family at the carol concert last year
|PA
As part of the service, candles will be lit by guests who have met the Prince and Princess of Wales in recent years, as well as those taking part in the programme. Recognisable public figures will also attend in recognition of their own work, encouraging compassion and togetherness.
Ahead of the service, guests will walk through a natural festive installation created by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth.
The design will feature British woodland trees in their winter state, interwoven with fruits, berries and Christmas trees, supplied by Form Plants in Weybridge.
The trees will return to the nursery after the event. Inside the Abbey, wreaths donated by the Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett will be on display.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie pictured at the concert in 2023
|PA
The wreaths have been created with the involvement of RHS Ambassadors, schoolchildren, Dame Mary Berry, Arit Anderson, comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell. Guests will also be invited to place a named loop on a “Connection Tree”, symbolising community bonds.
On arrival, eight young musicians aged 13 to 18 from the charity Future Talent, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent, will perform as a brass ensemble.
Guests will be offered mince pies donated by Fortnum and Mason and hot chocolate provided by the Royal Foundation after the service.
The event will be broadcast as Royal Carols: Together at Christmas on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat on Christmas Day.
The programme, co-produced by BBC Studios Events and the Royal Foundation, will include films showcasing people and organisations who have supported others during difficult moments.
Following the service, candles from Westminster Abbey will be donated to St Peter’s Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, as part of a recycling initiative known as the Church Candle Challenge.
Alongside the Abbey service, 15 community carol events will take place around the UK throughout December, hosted by Lord Lieutenants and supported by the Royal Foundation.
These local services will reflect community achievements and mirror elements of the Westminster Abbey event.
The Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation will provide festive refreshments, while Hobbycraft will supply craft sets to children and Christmas decorations.