Together at Christmas will return for its fifth year! The Princess of Wales is set to once again host her annual Christmas carol service. According to multiple outlets, the event was confirmed in the Royal Foundation’s report published in August.
“Finally, to close 2025, the ‘Together at Christmas’ will once again aim to bring together communities across the UK to celebrate people who have gone out of their way to help others with even more impactful local services,” the foundation stated.
While a date has yet to be revealed, the holiday event, spearheaded by the Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, has in previous years taken place in December at Westminster Abbey and aired on TV on Christmas Eve.
Catherine hosted her first Christmas carol service in 2021, which paid tribute to the work of individuals and organizations across the UK that supported their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second event in 2022 was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth and the values the late monarch demonstrated throughout her life. The third service in 2023 was linked to the Princess’ Shaping Us campaign and showcased “the hope of new life and why it is so important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their live.”
Last year’s Christmas carol service, which took place months after Catherine announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, shined a light on individuals who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities. In a letter given to guests at the 2024 event, the Princess of Wales penned, “I am so delighted that you’re able to join this Carol Service. I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness – so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”
© Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear,” she continued. “The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope. It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”
From “gentle words or a receptive ear” to “an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side,” Her Royal Highness noted that “we all have something we can offer one another.” The Princess wrote, “Across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. They have provided comfort, counsel, and connection, and above all else they have shown that love unites and strengthens us all. This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.”
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