Kate Middleton Beams in Burgundy as She Arrives to Host Second Annual Christmas Concert
Kate Middleton plays host – again! – at a new royal Christmas event.
The Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey on Thursday Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, their second annual carol concert sponsored by the Royal Foundation. The place has a special meaning for the royal – after all, she married Prince William here in April 2011!
Kate arrived in a tailored burgundy coat dress by Epinone, worn with matching accessories. She walked past artificial snowy evergreen trees and oversized lanterns as she walked inside.
Samir Hussein/WireImage Kate Middleton
She later returned outside to join Prince William and their two eldest children – Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 7 – making their debut at the Christmas carol concert. Her little brother, 4-year-old Prince Louis, stayed at home.
TIED TOGETHER: Christmas with the royals! Every photo you need to see of the royal family is going to be celebratory
Getty Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Kate Middleton
The event was a royal family affair as Kate and Prince William were joined for the concert by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Other royal family members present were Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Zara and her husband Mike Tindall, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Lord Frederick Windsor and his wife Sophie Winkleman, and Lady Gabriella Windsor and her husband Tom Kingston.
Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were also seen walking in with Kate’s sister Pippa.
The royals looked happy despite the event coming on the same day as the premiere of new episodes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix show, which expands on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s allegations of abuse within the family and palace.
The celebratory event brought together members of the royal family with charity workers, community volunteers, frontline workers, military members and more to “celebrate the joy that human connections can bring.”
Kate also reunited with some familiar faces she had met over the past year, including 4-year-old Theo Crompton, who memorably smiled from ear to ear as he presented the royal with a bouquet of flowers during their visit to Wales with Prince William in September. Princess Kate knelt and held his hands as she greeted him.
in one Photo posted on Twitter After the Christmas party, Kate’s office at Kensington Palace wrote: “Theo, nice to see you again and so glad you could join us tonight!”
They also said in another tweet: “Thank you to everyone who helped make #TogetherAtChristmas so special. It was fantastic to celebrate inspiring individuals and outstanding organizations with all of you.”
Getty Kate Middleton and Theo Compton
This year’s Christmas concert also honored Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September at the age of 96. The service showcased the values she held dear throughout her remarkable life and reign, such as empathy, compassion, and support for others. “These principles are shared and embodied by the inspiring guests who have been invited to the Abbey from across the UK in recognition of their tireless efforts to help and care for those around them,” the palace said previously.
The Abbey Choir sang traditional Christmas carols alongside performances by guests including Craig David and Les Miserables Star Samantha Barks, and a special duet by opera singer Alfie Boe and Spice Girl Melanie C. Readings were given by speakers including Prince William, Kristin Scott Thomas and Paddington StarHugh Bonneville.
Getty Kate Middleton
Other surprises are certainly in store. Last year saw performances by Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis – and Princess Kate herself! The Queen surprised everyone when she sat down at a piano to accompany singer Tom Walker in a performance of ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’.
According to a royal source, the idea for the performance came from Kate herself.
“Music has been very important to the Duchess during lockdown,” the royal source said. “She also recognizes the powerful way music brings people together — especially during difficult times. For those reasons, she was keen to be a part of Tom’s performance in this way.”
Getty Royal family
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Last month, Kate asked for the public’s help in deciding on the concert’s finale, sharing a poll between three songs: “Hark! The Herald, Joy To The World, and O Come, All Ye Faithful. The winner was “O Come, All Ye Faithful” with 40.7% of the vote after nearly 25,000 people voted.
The concert was filmed and will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve. The show is narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones.
