Princess Kate to set honour late Duchess of Kent during annual Christmas carol service

The duchess was married to Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, and was a former working member of the royal family who died aged 92 in September.

A palace statement said before guests enter the Abbey for the service, they will hear music from young performers from Future Talent.

The Duchess of Kent co-founded the group in 2004 to support gifted children from low-income backgrounds in the UK in a mission to give every child a chance to excel with music.

Princess Kate was one of the many royals who paid their respects at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral in September and her upcoming service will offer another opportunity to honour her.

The princess is also inviting a live illustrator to the service, which is designed to welcome “all faiths and none”.

Zara and Mike Tindall will be in attendance at the event after they confirmed it at a red carpet event last week.

Other members of the Royal Family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are expected to attend, although 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter