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The Royal Family were out in force this afternoon as they gathered for the Duchess of Cambridge’s Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey – after the royal reportedly dropped the BBC as the broadcaster for her special programme.
Kate Middleton, 39, cut an elegant figure as she stepped out for the Together At Christmas event in London today, which celebrates the ‘incredible work’ of pandemic heroes including charity workers, teachers and volunteers.
The mother-of-three debuted a new red Catherine Walker coat dress for the outing, which featured a large bow detailing across the bodice, as she arrived at the event alongside Prince William, 39.
The coat dress, thought to be worth around £3,000, is a new ensemble for the Duchess, who previously wore a black version of the coat to attend Prince Philip’s funeral in April.
Meanwhile the royal added a touch of glamour to her outfit with the Queen Mother’s sapphire and diamond fringe earrings, and recycled her £640 red suede bag by Miu Miu for the occasion, first worn in September 2016.
It was a family affair for the Duchess today at the carol service, with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, as well as her siblings James and Pippa, also in attendance.
The group were also joined by the Countess of Wessex, 55, Princess Beatrice, 33, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie, 31, and Zara and Mike Tindall at the service.
However the Queen, 95, who earlier today presented Thomas Trotter with the Queen’s Medal for Music at an audience at Windsor Castle, was not in attendance.
Once inside, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could be seen wearing black face coverings, in accordance with guidance from the abbey. The website details how attendees are ‘encouraged when inside the Abbey and St Margaret’s Church’ to wear masks while social distancing is ‘encouraged in areas which are small and confined.’
The service, which will include musical performances from stars including Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis, has been developed with BBC Studios Events Productions but will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve as part of a special programme called Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.
Prince William and Kate reportedly dropped the BBC as the broadcaster for their Christmas special in the wake of the two-part series The Princes and the Press, which was criticised by the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for giving credibility to ‘overblown and unfounded claims’ about the Royal Family.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, was festive in a scarlet Catherine Walker coat as she arrived to host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
Showing off her maternal side! Kate could be seen sharing a candle with Mila Sneddon, 6, ahead of the Together At Christmas community carol service
Kate Middleton was joined by Prince William as they walked side-by-side into the carol service this afternoon in London (pictured)
While members of the royal family were out in force for the event this afternoon, the Queen, who earlier today presented Thomas Trotter with the Queen’s Medal for Music at an audience at Windsor Castle, was not in attendance
Meanwhile the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Kate’s family for the carol service today, including Carole and Michael Middleton, as well as her sister Pippa Matthews, brother James and his wife Alizee
The group were also joined by the Countess of Wessex, 55, at the service, who opted for a smart white pair of trousers with a festive green blouse and maroon jacket
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (right) and Zara and Mike Tindall (left) were also in attendance at the event this evening in London
Princess Eugenie cut a chic figure in a smart emerald green cape coat, which she paired with a black ensemble and knee-high black leather boots
Looking radiant in red! The Duchess looked stunning in the Catherine Walker coat, estimated to be worth around £3,000, which she paired with matching accessories
Giving a masterclass in festive glamour, Kate wore her bouncy brunette locks down across her shoulders
The look of love! Prince William complemented his wife’s festive ensemble by opting for a smart navy suit with a red tie for the outing today
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the ‘Together at Christmas’ community carol service
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, who previously met Kate and Will at the Pride of Britain awards, was in attendance at the event
Giving a masterclass in festive glamour, Kate wore her bouncy brunette locks down across her shoulders.
Meanwhile the Countess of Wessex swept her blonde hair into a neat updo, opting for a hint of blush across her cheeks and a sweep of black eyeliner.
Sophie could be seen beaming as she arrived at the event this afternoon, clutching a smart purple bag as she strode into Westminster Abbey.
Beatrice and her husband Edoardo 38, who welcomed their daughter Sienna together in September, looked radiant as they arrived at the London event, hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge.
The Duke and Duchess beamed as they met with two reindeer handlers and their animals outside the abbey
A festive friend! As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left at the event, they were greeted by two reindeers (pictured)
Kate and Prince William appeared utterly charmed by the reindeer, who were waiting outside the abbey after the carol service today
Feeling brave! Princess Anne’s son-in-law Mike Tindall (left) and Princess Eugenie (right) could be seen stroking one of the reindeer outside the abbey this evening
A stern word for the reindeer! Meanwhile mother-of-two Sophie Wessex appeared to speak to the animals as she left the service
The Countess wrapped up in a maroon coat as she swept out of the service in London this evening
A family affair! Kate’s parents Carole and Michael beamed as they walked out of the service alongside their youngest daughter Pippa
It was a rare public family outing for the Duchess of Cambridge’s family, with her sister Pippa and her parents Carole and Michael
Kate’s sister Pippa cut an elegant figure in a forest green coat which she paired with black accessories during her evening out with the family
The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister looked fresh-faced as she attended the carol service this evening alongside her family
A show of support for the Duchess! Kate’s brother James and sister-in-law Alizee also left the event hand-in-hand
Sophie Countess of Wessex Catherine Duchess of Cambridge hosts a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey
Members of the royal family were in high spirits after the service, with the Duke of York’s daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie beaming
The royal couple appeared charmed by a choir of school children after the service in London this evening
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge removed their masks as they left following the Together At Christmas community carol service
The mother-of-three gave a nod to the Queen Mother by opting to wear her glitterign earrings for the Christmas event today
Giving a masterclass in festive glamour, the Duchess of Cambridge wore her bouncy brunette locks down across her shoulders (left and right)
After the service, the Duke and Duchess beamed as they walked out into the cool London air
Eugenie joined her sister at the occasion without her husband Jack Brooksbank following the death of his father, George Brooksbank, last month after a battle with Covid-19.
Looking typically stylish, Beatrice sported a Finchley Coat Vicuna Wool, costing £645, while her sister Eugenie recycled a £2,225 bottle green cape by Chloe.
Beatrice teamed the camel statement garment with a matching bag while boasting strappy black heels and a complementary headband.
Edo looked just as sophisticated in a smart blue suit and tie, while Eugenie opted for black tights, matching thigh-high boots and a smattering of glamorous makeup.
Catching up with cousins! Prince William and Kate were joined by Mike and Zara, as well as Princess Eugenie, at the event in London earlier today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge passed members of the Middleton family as they took their seats for the Together At Christmas community carol service at Westminster Abbey in London
Kate appeared to share a smile with her siblings James and Pippa, as well as her new sister-in-law Alizee and her mother Carole at the event
Beneath her £3,000 Catherine Walker coat, the Duchess wore a matching smart scarlet midi dress with co-ordinating accessories
Putting on an elegant show, Zara showed she meant business in a check £495 Pembridge Coat, paired with smart trousers and black heels.
Her husband former England rugby player Mike donned an equally smart black coat and blue trousers.
Meanwhile, the Countess of Wessex opted for a smart white pair of trousers with a festive green blouse and maroon jacket.
The mother-of-two swept her blonde hair into a neat up-do, opting for a hint of blush across her cheeks and a sweep of black eyeliner.
Among the children the Duchess met today was Mila, of Falkirk, whose photograph caught her eye after it was submitted into Kate’s Hold Still competition
The Duke and Duchess could be seen speaking to one attendee who was using a wheelchair at the carol service
Gesturing enthusiastically, Prince William appeared animated as he spoke with one attendee alongside the Duchess (pictured)
Ahead of the carol service, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge crouched down low to the ground as they spoke withTony Hugell ahead of the Together At Christmas community carol service
The Duke and Duchess appeared engaged as they chatted with one attendee of the carol service alongside his mother today
Kate spoke to several participants ahead of the Together At Christmas community carol service at Westminster Abbey in London
One young boy appeared delighted to be speaking with the royal couple ahead of the carol service today
The Duke and Duchess wore black face coverings as they arrived at the abbey this afternoon, in accordance with guidance from the venue
The Countess of Wessex wrapped up in a maroon jacket as she arrived at the event, opting to wear a colourful floral face covering
New mother Princess Beatrice wore a stunning tan coat dress for the occasion, which she paired with navy velvet heels and a maroon hairband
Beatrice was joined by her husband Edoardo at the service in London this evening, where they could be seen chatting with attendees
Sophie could be seen beaming as she arrived at the event this afternoon, clutching a smart purple bag as she strode into Westminster Abbey.
Meanwhile the Middletons also made a rare family appearance for the occasion, beaming at cameras as they walked into the abbey shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Kate’s younger sister Pippa cut an elegant figure on the outing, donning a smart emerald tailored coat for the evening.
She wore her short brunette locks in a half-up, letting two tendrils fall across her face, and wore minimal makeup.
Once inside the abbey, the Duke and Duchess could be seen chatting with some of the performers, which included Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis (pictured)
Both Ellie and Leona opted for stunning sequin and feather gowns for the outing at Westminster Abbey this evening (pictured)
Kate and William could be seen wearing black face masks as they stood chatting to GMB presenter Kate Garroway at the service this evening
The Duke and Duchess appeared to share a laugh with the ITV presenter as they spoke with her ahead of the service
Meanwhile the Duchess’ brother James was joined by his new wife Alizee for the occasion, marking the second recent appearance she has made with the Middleton family in recent months.
Alizee – who married James at the end of the summer in a lavish ceremony in the South of France – donned a distinctive checked suit for the outing with the Middleton clan.
She paired the red and black suit with a smart white ruffled shirt, opting to wear her long blonde locks down across her shoulders.
Hosted and spearheaded by The Duchess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the event paid tribute to the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the UK who have supported their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filmed for broadcast, the service provided a moment for the nation to come together and reflect, to think not only of the extraordinary challenges that we have faced, but also to celebrate the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across our nation, the communities pulling together to protect and care for those in need, and those who have stepped up to help others.
It combined traditional elements with a modern and inclusive feel to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service featured carols sung by the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir alongside musical performances by Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding.
The mother-of-three could also be seen carrying her her £640 red suede bag by Miu Miu for the occasion, first worn in September 2016 (pictured)
Arriving at the event today, Kate donned a pair of earrings featuring large sapphires surrounded by diamonds, from which diamond fringes are suspended, in an Art Deco design (pictured left and right)
Meanwhile the royal added a touch of glamour to her outfit with the Queen Mother’s sapphire and diamond fringe earrings for the outing (pictured)
Giving a masterclass in festive glamour, Kate wore her bouncy brunette locks down across her shoulders (pictured)
The couple appeared in high spirits as they arrived for the event in London this afternoon alongside the Duchess’ family (pictured)
Having a great hair day! The Duchess of Cambridge could be seen swinging her brunette locks out from her coat as she arrived at the event today
The Duchess carefully removed her brunette locks from her earrings as she arrived at the event earlier this evening in London
Kate Middleton, 39, cut an elegant figure as she stepped out for the Together At Christmas event in London today, which celebrates the ‘incredible work’ of pandemic heroes including charity workers, teachers and volunteers
Meanwhile the royal added a touch of glamour to her outfit with a pair of glittering earrings from the Queen Mother’s jewellery box (pictured)
The Duchess opted for a tonal scarlet outfit the occasion, matching her red coat dress with complementing shoes with a matching bag
The ultimate festive glamour! The mother-of-three opted for a subtle smokey eye for the carol service this afternoon, paired with a glossy lip
The mother-of-three was in high spirits at the event earlier this afternoon, beaming as she arrived at Westminster Abbey for the service
Hosted and spearheaded by The Duchess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the event will pay tribute to the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the UK who have supported their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile Prince William opted to match his wife’s bold scarlet outfit with his own red tie, donning a navy suit for the carol service this afternoon
The mother-of-three debuted a new red coat dress for the outing, which featured a large bow detailing across the bodice (pictured)
The mother-of-three could be seen beaming as she arrived at Westminster Abbey this afternoon for the carol service, which is set to be broadcast later this month
It also incorporated a performance of To The Day, a poignant composition created for the service by poet and writer Lemn Sissay, and readings delivered by speakers including The Duke of Cambridge, British Paralympian and junior doctor Kim Daybell and Kate Garraway.
The Christmas Eve broadcast will feature additional content including an introduction from The Duchess of Cambridge, videos highlighting the efforts of inspirational organisations, and a special performance by Tom Walker of his new Christmas single For Those Who Can’t Be Here.
Unsung heroes from across the length and breadth of the nation were invited to attend the service in recognition of their tireless efforts and selfless acts of kindness despite incredibly difficult circumstances.
Nominations were drawn from Lieutenancies across the UK, alongside community networks, charitable organisations and patronages of Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Individuals who The Duke and Duchess have met and spent time with during their recent engagements and project work were also be present, alongside those working in some of the key areas that Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation continue to focus on.
The congregation also included armed forces personnel who were involved in Operation Pitting, young carers, faith leaders, and guests who may be more vulnerable or isolated within our society.
Earlier today, the Duchess of Cambridge shared a snap from inside the abbey as rehearsals got underway.
She posted: ‘Rehearsals ahead of tonight’s #TogetherAtChristmas carol service.
‘We will be reflecting on the extraordinary challenges we have faced in recent times and celebrating the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across the nation as communities pulled together to help each other.’
The Christmas special marks a massive coup for ITV, which usually loses out on royal content to the BBC
The Duke of York’s youngest daughter attended the event solo, and could be seen clutching her bag black as she entered the abbey
Princess Eugenie, whose father-in-law George Brooksbank passed away earlier this month, attended the event without her husband Jack
The mother-of-one, who welcomed her first son earlier this year, could be seen wearing a festive emerald cape and a sweep of red lipstick for the occasion
Beatrice wore her auburn locks in a bouncy blow dry style, similar to that often worn by the Duchess of Cambridge
Mother-of-one Beatrice, who welcomed her first baby earlier this year, beamed as she arrived hand-in-hand with her husband Edo
New parents Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi looked stylish as they arrived at the service this evening hand-in-hand
Meanwhile Princess Anne’s daughter Zara and her husband Mike Tindall opted for matching black and navy ensembles for the outing in London
Mother-of-three Zara was in high spirits as she arrived at the event hand-in-hand with her husband Mike
The royal couple could be seen holding hands as they arrived for the carol service this evening at Westminster Abbey
Mother-of-two Sophie Wessex beamed as she arrived at the carol service in London this afternoon, sweeping her blonde locks into an updo for the occasion
The group were also joined by the Countess of Wessex, 55, at the service, who opted for a smart white pair of trousers with a festive green blouse and maroon jacket
An industry insider said earlier this month: ‘It was all arranged to be on BBC1 but it was switched in the last few days because of the terrible row over the documentary.
‘And things are likely to get a lot worse between the Royal Family and the BBC before they get better as the second part of the documentary threatens to go further.’
The second part of the documentary, which aired last week, saw Meghan Markle’s lawyer issue a technical and bizarre denial the Duchess had ever bullied staff – before insisting ‘but she wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.’
The programme also said people connected to both the Cambridges and Sussexes briefed about the other.
Meanwhile the Middletons also made a rare family appearance for the occasion, beaming at cameras as they walked into the abbey shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Alizee – who married James at the end of the summer in a lavish ceremony in the South of France – donned a distinctive checked suit for the outing with the Middleton clan
Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Kate will no doubt be hoping to brush aside any rumblings over the documentary ahead of the carol service.
Posting about the carol service on Instagram, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote: ‘This Christmas we are celebrating the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the nation who go above and beyond to support their communities.
‘Next week, The Duchess will host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, supported by The Royal Foundation, bringing many of those inspirational people together.
Earlier today, the Duchess of Cambridge shared a snap on Twitter from inside the abbey as rehearsals got underway (pictured)
Sharing the image online, the tweet read how the service would be ‘reflecting on the extraordinary challenges we have faced in recent times and celebrating the acts of kindness’
Meanwhile Westminster Abbey also shared a photograph of a candle and the service sheet ahead of the service tonight
‘The service, which will be broadcast in December, will look back on the last eighteen months, to think not only of the unprecedented challenges that we have all faced as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to remember the positives: people and organisations pulling together in their communities, the small acts of kindness across different demographics and generations, and the unsung heroes who stepped up to help others.’
Speaking about the decision to drop the BBC for the Christmas concert, a TV industry source told the Sun: ‘It is a brand new format — the royals have never hosted a televised TV concert before. And to have the Duchess leading on it is a big deal.
‘Naturally most royal programming goes automatically to the BBC as the national broadcaster. Now it looks like they will work more with ITV in the future.’
The source said ITV was ‘surprised but delighted’ by the sudden change of plan, adding, ‘it will be a fantastic Christmas carol concert that will be TV gold for viewers at home.’
Sneak peek: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge earlier this month shared a glimpse of the invitations sent out to guests, pictured, including charity workers, teachers and volunteers
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