Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall arrive at Westminster Abbey in show of support for Princess Kate

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 05/12/2025

- 17:05

The couple spoke to Hannah Waddingham who had to pull out of performing this evening

Zara and Mike Tindall have arrived at Westminster Abbey in a show of support for Princess Kate.

The couple were seen entering the Abbey not long after the Princess of Wales's arrival.


Zara attended the Together At Christmas Carol Service last year while Mike was absent.

The pair were seen chatting away to singer Hannah Waddingham, who was forced to pull out of her scheduled performance this evening.

Zara and Mike Tindall

Zara and Mike Tindall have arrived at Westminster Abbey in a show of support for Princess Kate.

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GETTY

Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall and Hannah Waddingham

The singer was forced to pull out from her performance this evening.

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GETTY

The singer withdrew due to strained vocal cords caused by her extensive film schedule.

She has been replaced by Zak Abel, who will sing Silent Night in her place.

The concert marks the fifth consecutive year of the festive celebration.

Princess Kate has devoted many months to organising the candle-lit service alongside her team.

Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall and Hannah Waddingham

Zara and Mike attended the event in a show of support for Princess Kate.

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GETTY

Tonight's service features a very impressive lineup of performers and speakers.

Singer-songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish sea shanty group Fisherman's Friends and artist Griff will deliver special musical performances during the candle-lit ceremony.

Hollywood actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor will provide readings for the occasion, joined by comedian Babatunde Aleshe and Heartstopper star Joe Locke.

Pianist Paul Gladstone Reid will accompany the speakers during their contributions to the service.

Kate MiddletonPrincess Kate has spearheaded this year's event, which receives backing from The Royal Foundation. | PA

Ahead of the event, it was revealed that the Princess of Wales had penned a moving message that will be distributed to guests at the event on Friday.

In her message, the princess addressed guests directly and expressed her gratitude for their participation in the festive gathering.

The royal's words focus on how the Christmas period embodies love through modest, human actions rather than elaborate displays.

She highlights how small gestures of kindness form part of a larger interconnected whole that binds communities together during the festive season.

Kate MiddletonThe service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, with a repeat airing on Christmas Day morning. | PA

Guests arriving at the Abbey were greeted by music from eight musicians aged 13 to 18, performing as a specially assembled brass ensemble.

These young players come from Future Talent, a charity established by the Late Duchess of Kent to provide opportunities for musically gifted children from low-income households.

Readings exploring themes of love, compassion and connection will form a central part of the proceedings.

The service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, with a repeat airing on Christmas Day morning.