Kate Middleton’s emotional Christmas message: Princess of Wales describes how the arrival of every baby is a ‘precious and momentous time’ as she thanks those helping children feel ‘safe and loved’ ahead of star-studded Together At Christmas carol service

• Kate hosted the Together At Christmas service on December 8
• Royal event will be broadcast at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve
• Read more: Princess of Wales steals the show at Westminster Abbey service

Kate will deliver a heartfelt thanks to all those helping young children ‘feel safe, valued and loved’ this Christmas in a video clip introducing the Together At Christmas event.

The Princess of Wales, 41, hosted the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, joined by members of the Royal Family and a handful of famous faces.

Princes William, George and Louis and Princess Charlotte arrived at the venue with Kate, and the youngest royal stole the show once again, blowing out the candles he and his siblings were holding.

Also in attendance were princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who was joined by his daughters Isla and Savannah.

The 1,500 guests included midwives, nursery teachers and baby bank volunteers.

Kate Middleton will deliver a heartfelt thanks to all those helping young children ‘feel safe, valued and loved’ this Christmas in a video clip introducing the Together At Christmas event

The Princess of Wales, 41, hosted the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, joined by members of the Royal Family and a handful of famous faces

Princes William, George and Louis and Princess Charlotte arrived at the venue with Kate

The event will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1 as part of the special programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, featuring additional material including films emphasising the importance of early childhood and contributions from celebrities like Rio and Kate Ferdinand and Dame Sheila Hancock.

Ahead of this, a video message from the Princess of Wales will be aired, in which Kate thanks those helping to ‘shape a happier, healthier, fairer world in the future’.

She will say: ‘Christmas is a time when we come together and celebrate the birth of a newborn baby.

‘The arrival of every baby is a precious and momentous time, it brings us together to reflect on new beginnings and brings hope for the future.

Also in attendance were princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips , who was joined by his daughters Isla and Savannah

The 1,500 guests included midwives, nursery teachers and baby bank volunteers

Prince of Wales reads Luke 2: 1-7 during Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey

‘Throughout our earliest interactions, relationships and experiences, with those who love us, even before we are born, we lay the foundations to so much of what that future will depend on.

‘But only by valuing and supporting the vital role of the adults in a child’s world can we hope to make a difference.

‘And so tonight’s guests have been invited in recognition of their support of our youngest children, as we shine a spotlight on the critical role they play in nurturing and raising the future generation.

The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales

Kate Middleton greets those in attendance as she hosts the Together At Christmas service

The Royal Family speak to Reverend David Stanton as they arrive at Westminster Abbey

Princess of Wales, Prince Louis and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the carol service

Also in attendance were Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, who was joined by her step-son, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi

‘From parents and carers, to early educators, midwives, health visitors and community volunteers, thank you for all you do in helping the very youngest members of our communities, feel safe, valued and loved.

‘This is not just making a difference to children today, it will go on to shape a happier, healthier, fairer world in the future.’

The highlight of the show was a poignant musical tribute paid to George Michael and John Lennon – with the concert held 43 years to the day the former Beatle was shot dead.    

The event will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1 as part of the special programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

Ahead of this, a video message from the Princess of Wales will be aired, in which Kate thanks those helping to ‘shape a happier, healthier, fairer world in the future’

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive for the service at Westminster Abbey

Zara Tindall with the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle

Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, arrives with his daughters Isla and Savannah

Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte post Christmas cards to other children

The highlight of the show was a poignant musical tribute paid to John Lennon and George Michael – with the concert held 43 years to the day the former Beatle was shot dead

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier played Wham!’s hit Last Christmas on Lennon’s upright piano, which was owned by the group’s singer

During the concert Oscar winner Jim Broadbent read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier played Wham!’s hit Last Christmas on Lennon’s upright piano, which was owned by the group’s singer and later solo star George Michael and loaned by his estate.

Broadcaster Roman Kemp, the son of Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and former Wham! backing singer Shirlie Kemp, introduced Collier and talked about the role George Michael, who was his godfather, played in his life.

During the concert Oscar winner Jim Broadbent read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien and singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert performed.

• Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will be screen at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve

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