Compassion and togetherness celebrated at royal carol service

Wednesday, 24th December 2025

Compassion and togetherness celebrated at royal carol service

The selfless efforts of people who foster compassion and togetherness in their communities were celebrated at the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday 5th December.

The service was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, who were joined by HRH Prince George, HRH Princess Charlotte, HRH Prince Louis and other Members of the Royal Family. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children greeting clergy as they arrive inside Westminster Abbey for a service

About the service

Spearheaded by The Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service was a joyful celebration of Christmas which shone a light on the importance of love in all its forms - whether within families, through friendships, across communities or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.

Among the 1,600-strong congregation were guests from across the UK who have been recognised for bringing people together in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society.

The Christmas story

The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who welcomed the congregation to the Abbey and also gave a reflection.

There were musical performances by Zak Abel, who sang Silent night; Daniel Smith, who performed Oh Holy Night; Fisherman’s Friends who sang I saw three ships; Katie Melua, who performed White Christmas; and Sarah Griffiths (Griff), who sang O come all ye faithful.

The Christmas story was told in readings from John 1 given by The Prince of Wales, and from Luke 2 given by Babatunde Aléshé.

Dancers from Platinum Performing Arts performed as Daniela Morain sang Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Kate Winslet read a reflection on love and connection; and Chiwetel Ejiofor read A visit from St Nicholas by Clement-Clarke Moore. Joe Locke read Wendy Cope's poem The Christmas Life, accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reidand.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Sub-Organist, and before the service by François Cloete, Organ Scholar.

Connection tree

Before the service, the congregation enjoyed music by young performers from Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to support musically-gifted children from low-income backgrounds.

As they entered the Abbey, guests were invited to add their own name onto a paper chain decorating a Christmas tree, symbolising the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.

A congregation seated during a service in Westminster Abbey

Watch the service

Watch Royal Carols: Together at Christmas on demand on ITVX.

Further reading

Order of Service: Together at Christmas 2025 (PDF, 602KB) 

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