Kate Middleton attends Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Photo:HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
Kate Middletonis keeping up a new Christmas tradition!
On Friday, the Princess of Wales stepped out at Westminster Abbey for the third annual holiday carol concert. Princess Kate, 41, started the tradition in 2021 and is still going strong.
The London venue, decked out in Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decor for the festive evening, also has a very special meaning for the royal — it’s where she wedPrince Williamin April 2011!
Princess Kate arrived at the event — wearinghead-to-toe winter white! — and greeted the clergy and some of the evening’s performers before the service began.
Kate Middleton and Adam Lambert at Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
And for the first time, all three ofPrincess Kate’s children were in attendance! Kate met her family — Prince William,Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis— outside to walk into the event together…but first, her children made an important stop at a red postbox to mail letters to kids who might be struggling this year.
While Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended the event last year, it markedPrince Louis' debut.
Kate Middleton, Prince William and their children attend the Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
This year’s Christmas carol concert is linked to Princess Kate’sShaping Us campaign, which focuses on her mission to support children during the early years of their lives.
Among the congregation are parents, early educators, midwives, health visitors and community volunteers who are both raising kids and “playing a vital role in shaping the society of tomorrow.”
“So, this Christmas, as we reflect upon the past year and look towards the future, let’s cherish the importance of new life and remember the unique hope that this brings,” the source adds. “And together, let’s commit to nurture the earliest years in a child’s life, not simply for the sake of our children, but for the future health and happiness of our communities and our society.”
Kate Middleton attends Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Jeff Spicer/Getty
Jeff Spicer/Getty
“This is the culmination of a lot of things that the Princess has led on this year,” Ross tells PEOPLE.
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Founder Bianca Sakol was among the congregation, seated just behind the royal family. “The service was absolutely beautiful, absolutely perfect — we loved it,” she tells PEOPLE.
She adds that since Kate’s visit, there has been a big rise in donations of goods and in offers of help from businesses in the area. “It’s really raised our profile in the community," Sakol says.
Kate Middleton hosts Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
Though the Princess of Wales didn’t play piano at the 2022 show on Dec. 15, 2022, the festive event was again held to bring together members of the royal family with charity staff, community volunteers, frontline workers, military personnel and more to “celebrate the joythat human connection can bring,” Buckingham Palace said.
Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George attend Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
Last year’s program was woven withtributestoQueen Elizabeth, who died in September 2022 at age 96.
“This carol service is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to all those who are sadly no longer with us. Her Late Majesty’s strongly held values of duty, compassion and faith have guided the creation of this service,” a message inside the program forRoyal Carols: Together at Christmasread.
As the service began, a film played highlighting how the late Queen was at the heart of Christmas Day for so many people with her annual holiday address. Prince William also gave a poignant reading and revisited his late grandmother’sChristmas broadcastfrom 2012.
Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton and Prince George attend Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
source: people.com
