In a promotional clip for a “special carol service” at Westminster Abbey, a cheerful Princess Catherine poses in front of a Christmas tree.
The service, hosted by Princess Catherine, is due to take place at the Gothic abbey in central London on Friday, and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm.
A teaser clip for the Royal Carols : Together At Christmas programme featuring the Princess aired on ITV1 at 9.45pm on Thursday.
In it, Princess Catherine says to join her this Christmas Eve for a special carol service, as they say a heartfelt thank you to all those supporting the very youngest members of the society during those crucial early years.
The service, supported by The Royal Foundation, will honour those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the United Kingdom.
The service that is linked to Kate’s Shaping Us campaign, will showcase the hope of new life and why it is so imperative to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives.
The Westminster Abbey choir will perform popular carols, alongside musical performances by the likes of Freya Ridings, Jacob Collier and James Bay, and a special duet by Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.
Readings will be given by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Emma Willis, Micheal Ward, , Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent, and a specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children’s Laureate, will be read by Leonie Elliott.
The Christmas Eve broadcast will feature additional content, including an introduction by the Princess and films emphasising the importance of early childhood.
It will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli, Ugo Monye, and Dame Sheila Hancock.
The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with festive decorations that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
New features this year will include a Christmas post box located outside the abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other youngsters who might be struggling this festive season.
Guests will be treated to Christmas songs and carolsupon arrival by the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers including one aged just six.
Attendees have been nominated by lord-lieutenants across the nation, in addition to the charities associated with members of the royal family.
They will be joined by those working in early years, being a key focus area of Kate’s work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
The audience will consist also of those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who may find the winter period difficult.
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
