The nine-year-old attended with her siblings, Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, and was seen watching the Westminster Abbey performance with excitement.
During the carol “O Come All Ye Faithful,” Princess Charlotte was seen giggling and sharing playful glances with her siblings before gathering herself to sing along. Always the responsible one, she helped her younger brother, Prince Louis, hold his candle, despite his usual mischievous expressions at public events.
Charlotte also watched in awe as ballet dancers performed on stage, with her mother, the Princess of Wales, revealing that the surprise performance had been kept a secret to delight her daughter during the service.
Kate’s fourth annual carol service, held on December 6, featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper with the Soul Sanctuary Choir, and rising talent Olivia Dean.
Broadcast on Christmas Eve, the service marked one of Kate’s rare public appearances this year, following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent preventative chemotherapy.
In a voiceover at the start of the program, Kate read excerpts from a letter she wrote about love and empathy, which was included in the event’s order of service.
She shared: “The Christmas story invites us to reflect on the experiences and emotions of others.
“It also highlights our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, showing how much we depend on one another despite our differences.”
“Above all, it encourages us to choose love over fear—the love we show ourselves and others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.”
Readings were also delivered by actors Richard E. Grant, Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey, Oscar-nominated Sophie Okonedo for her role in Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming gold medalist Adam Peaty.
Joining Kate and their three children was her husband, Prince William, who also gave a reading, along with other members of the royal family, including Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall, Princess Anne’s daughter.
It is believed that Kate received assistance in planning the carol service from the grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor, whose husband was found dead earlier this year.
Kate invited Lady Gabriella Windsor to join her team in organizing the annual Together at Christmas event during the summer, with Lady Gabriella assisting in arranging the performances.
A source shared that Lady Gabriella was deeply touched and grateful to be asked by the princess to contribute to such a special event, and felt honored to do so. Kate is understood to have been incredibly appreciative of her support.
Lady Gabriella’s husband, financier Thomas Kingston, tragically passed away on February 25 from a head injury, with a gun found near his body at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
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