This year, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is set to revive her now-beloved Christmas carol concert, a tradition she began several years ago that has quickly become a heartwarming staple of the royal festive calendar. As December draws near, Kensington Palace has unveiled new details about what audiences can expect from the 2025 edition — including the theme, the special tributes, and the distinguished guests scheduled to appear.

Kate launched her annual carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2021, amid the challenges of the pandemic, aiming to celebrate community spirit and honour those who supported others through hardship. According to BBC News, the concert has since evolved into “one of the most anticipated festive engagements of the royal family,” drawing widespread public support each year (BBC News).

Earlier in 2025, the Palace confirmed that the event would return. But only now have full details — including the exact date — been revealed.

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What to Expect from Kate Middleton’s Christmas Concert This Year

Kensington Palace has announced that Friday, December 5, will mark the next instalment of the Princess of Wales’ Together At Christmas carol service, once again held beneath the centuries-old arches of Westminster Abbey.

This year’s theme will be “love in all its forms,” a message aimed at bridging divides in what the Palace described as a “fragmented and disconnected world” (Kensington Palace statement, via ITV News).

The Palace wrote:

“Love is the force that reconnects us all, spanning generations, communities, cultures and faiths. As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence, and joy.”

The service will once again feature the renowned Westminster Abbey Choir, performing some of the nation’s most cherished carols. In addition, a star-studded lineup will deliver readings and musical performances. This year’s confirmed guests include:

• Hannah Waddingham

• Kate Winslet

• Chiwetel Ejiofor

• Dan Smith (Bastille)

According to Hello! Magazine, this marks “one of the most diverse and high-profile lineups” in the event’s four-year history (Hello!).

A Special Tribute to the Late Duchess of Kent

One of the most meaningful additions this year will be a tribute to Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away on September 4. Members of the royal family, including the King, attended her funeral.

Before entering Westminster Abbey, guests will be welcomed by performances from young musicians associated with Future Talent, the charity co-founded by the Duchess. The organisation has supported promising young artists from low-income families for over two decades (source: The Telegraph).

This tribute is expected to be one of the emotional highlights of the evening.

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Who from the Royal Family Will Attend?

The Princess of Wales traditionally attends alongside Prince William and their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Last year’s concert held special meaning, occurring just months after Kate publicly announced the successful end of her cancer treatment (source: People Magazine).

Other royal attendees typically include:

• Duchess Sophie

• Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

• Zara and Mike Tindall

• Members of the Middleton family, including Kate’s parents and siblings

King Charles has attended multiple times in previous years, and royal commentators from The Times expect he may appear again in 2025.

Royal fans have expressed their excitement online. One user on X wrote:

“Catherine’s Christmas service is shaping up to be a star-studded event with Kate Winslet among the highlights. Sounds like a festive treat!”

Another added:

“Brilliant. A lovely start to the Christmas season.”

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What Happens Each Year at the Concert?

The 2024 service welcomed over 1,600 guests, ranging from charity workers to frontline staff and community volunteers.

One memorable feature from last year was the “kindness tree,” where attendees could hang handwritten notes expressing love, gratitude, and hope. While it’s unclear whether it will return this year, royal commentators note that Kate’s commitment to promoting kindness — mirrored in her early childhood advocacy — makes its reappearance highly possible.

Each attendee also receives a beautifully printed Order of Service, which last year featured bespoke illustrations by acclaimed artist Charlie Mackesy, best known for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Every guest also received a personal letter from the Princess of Wales thanking them for their contributions to society.

For viewers at home, the event will again be broadcast. The full service will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat scheduled on Christmas morning.

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A Concert Not to Be Missed

With its moving theme of love, a heartfelt tribute to the Duchess of Kent, and one of the most impressive guest lineups to date, Kate Middleton’s 2025 Christmas concert is shaping up to be a highlight of the royal calendar — and a deeply meaningful start to the festive season.