Hidden details from Princess Kate’s Christmas carol concert | Royal | News

There’s nothing quite like Christmas carols to get you in the festive spirit and that’s why the Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas concert is one of my favourite events of the year. Held inside the breathtaking Westminster Abbey, famed for its huge, vaulted ceilings and pointed arches – and where Catherine married her prince charming – there really is no better venue. 

As guests arrived on Friday afternoon, they were greeted by an array of British woodland trees creating a natural, festive environment. And inside there was a magical atmosphere with gorgeously decorated wreaths, Christmas trees and a nativity scene inside the nave.

Catherine’s carol concert has become a key component in her diary, as she focuses on bringing communities together and celebrating ordinary people each year. Held at the beginning of December each year, it kickstarts the festivities for the Royal Family and it’s lovely to see the Royal Family rally round the event each year.

Of course, the stars of the show are young Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they make one of their few public appearances of the year. All three of them are quickly becoming accustomed to being photographed at these kinds of events, with Charlotte appearing more and more like her mother with each outing.

The 10-year-old has grasped a clear understanding of her role, and always appears poised, calm and collected – never putting a foot wrong.

Of course, George, as second in line to the throne, is being gradually introduced to royal duties and has attended key events this year, such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last month and a special tea party with Second World War veterans in May.

And as the youngest of three, Louis can afford to keep up his role as the cheeky sibling, melting hearts around the world with his expressive facial expressions and sassy moments.His sister will always be on hand to bring him back into line, as she takes on a nurturing, no-nonsense role, much like her great-aunt, the Princess Royal.

As the Christmas holiday draws ever closer, with the children breaking up from school on Friday, the family of five will look forward to spending time together in their new home before joining the King and Queen at Sandringham.

State visits are important moments, showcasing the soft power of the Royal Family to strengthen diplomatic ties overseas. And the King did a tremendous job of shoring up relations with Germany and other European neighbours, when he decried ‘Russian aggression’ in his state banquet speech.

Charles praised the shared defence arrangement between both countries, describing it as a “unique partnership at the heart of NATO”.

He added that both the UK and Germany “together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression”.

President Steinmeier echoed these words and said they were “side by side in support of Ukraine”. The show of support comes after President Putin rejected changes proposed by Ukraine and Europe to a draft peace plan, followed by warnings that Moscow was “ready” for war with Europe.

Later this month, a special film retracing the King’s Arctic adventure 50 years ago will air on ITV. Popular wildlife presenter Steve Backshall re-enacts the then-prince’s 10-day adventure, and sits down for a chat with the King at Buckingham Palace before he goes.

The 90-minute documentary is the perfect mix of adventure while also giving a serious warning about the perils of climate change.

But while the King’s steadfast support to the environment is well known, the film showcases a different side to him.

Viewers also get a fresh insight into his extreme sense of adventure and dry sense of humour, with laughs about him wearing a bowler hat during an ice dive, racing on a snowmobile and eating raw seal liver. Yuck!

Many will no doubt be interested to learn that Meghan Markle brought a UK festive tradition back to America with her – Christmas crackers.

She explains to viewers in the special Holiday episode of her Netflix show that crackers are a key British tradition, with people crossing arms and pulling them at a festive lunch.

The one-hour episode, which was released on the same day the King and Queen welcomed the German President to Windsor Castle, also sees Meghan make wreaths, Christmas wrapping hacks, and make some festive treats in the kitchen. It will be interesting to see how well this one goes down with viewers, as insiders strongly believe this one-off episode will be a major decider in whether the season is renewed.

Though many of us might already be eyeing the start of the Christmas wind-down, the Royal Family still have a number of events in the diary over the coming weeks. (So those of us on the royal rota hoping to catch up on admin, focus on features or take a breather after a hectic period on the beat will have to wait a little longer).

Many of the upcoming engagements have a festive theme, and the King will be finalising his annual address to the nation, which will be broadcast on Christmas Day.

It’s so far unclear where he’ll deliver his message from, after last year’s break from tradition by filming it from the spectacular Fitzrovia Chapel, a former London hospital chapel.

But it’s sure to be somewhere special that reflects on the overall theme of his address.