The Princess of Wales greeted guests, cracked jokes with celebrities and welcomed members of the Royal Family as her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey got underway this evening.
Kate’s Together at Christmas service in London, now in its fifth year, features a host of celebrities from Kate Winslet to Katie Melua.
The princess and Prince William‘s children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven – were also in attendance, as they were last year.
It is the first time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.
The three siblings arrived with their father and added red ribbons to a tree at the front of the abbey. Kate greeted them warmly, putting her hands on their shoulders as they walked in.
Both boys looked smart in suits with their hair neatly combed to one side, while the princess wore a black velvet dress with a white collar and a black bow in her hair.
The hour-long service, which began at 5pm, celebrates ‘the power of reaching out’ – but singer Hannah Waddingham pulled out at the last minute because of issues with her voice.
William, Winslet and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor will all give readings during the event which will recognise community stalwarts and honour ‘love in all its forms’.
Celebrity chef Dame Mary Berry, who has created a Christmas wreath on display in the abbey, is also among the guests alongside leading sportswomen.
Prince Louis also signed one of the red ribbons which was attached to the tree
