As she makes a gradual return to public life following the conclusion of her chemotherapy treatment, in September Kate Middleton held a meeting with aides at Windsor Castle to discuss plans for this year's Christmas Carol service - titled Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.
And this morning, an Instagram teaser for the hotly anticipated event was released which read, 'Something exciting is coming... The invitations are fresh off the press for this year’s Together At Christmas Carol Service, which will be returning to Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December. We can’t wait for you to join us too! Tune in on @itv and @itvxofficial on Christmas Eve.'
Now in its fourth year, Kate Middleton's Christmas Carol Service for 2024 will be filmed at Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December before it airs on ITV on Christmas Eve.
Kate was joined by husband Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis at last year's event alongside other members of the royal family including Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
'Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our special carol service, Together At Christmas,' Kate posted afterwards. 'From the performers whose voices filled Westminster Abbey, to the early years workforce of carers, midwives, nurses and so many more who are not only making a difference to children today but also shaping a happier, healthier world in the future.'
Kensington Palace later added, 'Spearheaded by The Princess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.'
'It's a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children, and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings.'
The Princess of Wales dedicates her carol concert to a new cause each year. In 2022, Kate dedicated her service to the late Queen Elizabeth, paying homage to the values of duty, empathy, kindness, and compassion that she embodied. And during her very first carol service in 2021, the Princess chose to honour those that 'have stepped up to support their communities during the pandemic.'
With that in mind, it's reported that this year's service will have carols sitting alongside musical performances and combine 'traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none.'
Beverley Knight, James Bay, Freya Ridings and Adam Lambert were amongst the performers at the 2023 service, which benefitted Kate's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, whilst the Westminster Abbey choir performed 'some of the nation's most beloved carols' festive carols.
Then there were readings from speakers including The Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, was read by Leonie Elliott.
The broadcast also featured additional content including an introduction from The Princess of Wales and films, as well as contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.
Where can I watch Kate’s Christmas Carol Service?
Unfortunately, this wasn't the type of carol concert any Londoners can pop along to. The event is invite only, with the guest list made up of 'individuals and families from all corners of the UK, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers
But, as done in previous years, Kate's carol service will be filmed and shown on TV on 24 December, Christmas Eve.
Which Royals will attend Kate’s Christmas Carol Service?
Last year, alongside those lucky members of the public who found invites in their postbox, Kate was supported by multiple members of the royal family.
Among those who turned up were her parents — Carole and Michael Middleton — and sister Pippa Middleton. Members of the royal family in attendance also included Princess Beatrice (with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Wolfie), Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.
And for the first time, all three of the Waleses children were in attendance! While Prince Georgeand Princess Charlotte attended in 2022, this was little Prince Louis' first Christmas concert. The family walked into the event together - but not before the young royal children made an important stop at a red postbox outside the Abbey to mail letters to kids who might be struggling this year.
It's expected that for 2024, Kate Middleton will again be supported by her entire family.