Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looks chic in a bohemian skirt as she supports Kate Middleton at her Christmas carol concert

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looked chic as she joined senior royals at Westminster Abbey this afternoon to film the Princess of Wales’s ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service.  

The royal, 59, has shown herself to be one of Kate’s greatest supporters in recent months and was loyally by her side at the remembrance events last month as she returned to duties following treatment for cancer. 

Sophie, who is married to King Charles’s younger brother Prince Edward, looked stylish, putting on a radiant display in a bohemian style skirt and white cardigan, which she paired with brown boots. 

Last month, she was seen placing a supportive ‘maternal’ hand on the future queen’s back as they walked back inside following the two-minute silence, which was broadcast live to the nation. 

The two women, who come from similar middle-class backgrounds, have formed an undeniably close bond over the 13 years.

In the early days of Kate’s relationship with Prince William, insiders claimed Sophie offered to help guide the Princess of Wales as she began her royal journey.

She is said to have stepped into the void left by Meghan Markle, who quit the royal family in 2020 and now lives in the US. 

Sophie has attended the carol service each year since 2021, when it was first organised by Kate. She has been joined by other royals including Prince William, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Zara Tindall. 

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh , looked chic as she joined senior royals at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Brave Kate is this afternoon leading her family at her Christmas carol concert after the most difficult year of her life.

This time last year the princess, 42, was focusing on her work and children, and looking forward to the festive season with little inclination of what was to come.

Weeks later she underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy. 

Kate and her husband Prince William found their lives turned upside down.

Now, having completed her treatment, the royal is beginning to return to public duties and will hold her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at historic Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.

The Princess was all smiles as she arrived at the festive event at Westminster Abbey to check over preparations ahead of the concert

The Princess of Wales styled her brunette locks in elegant waves and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup to complete her look

The princess (pictured) has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor

The Princess of Wales arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.

Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year

But the princess (pictured left) has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences

The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.

She is set to be joined just before the start of the event by her three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – as well as her husband, the Prince of Wales, who will read the first Lesson.

The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout, will also be present, as will other members of the Royal Family. The King and Queen, however, are not amongst the guests.

Her father-in-law has, however, donated Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will later be donated to the local community.

The 1,600-strong congregation largely consists of members of the public recommended by Lord Lieutenants across the country for their community and charity work as a ‘thank you’ from the princess.

Also among them are members of the Southport community affected by this summer’s tragic stabbing, including children who survived the attack and the families of the three little girls who died.

Travelling from Yorkshire is the family of inspirational Liz Hatton, who was invited to Windsor by the prince and princess in October to help complete a photography ‘bucket list’.

She sadly died last week of a rare form of cancer at the age of just 17, with William and Kate paying a moving public tribute to her strength and dignity.

The Princess appeared to wear her glamorous black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion

Kate put on an elegant display in her stylish coat, which she teamed with matching heeled boots

RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, aged 100, from Crewe, is also present from the Royal British Legion. He landed in Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

Bernard, who still speaks to schools and colleges about his experiences during World War Two, said: ‘It is truly special to be part of The Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. 

‘I am very grateful to be invited, and I am honoured to light a candle on behalf of all the amazing volunteers at the Royal British Legion who give up their time to support veterans like me.

‘I am always keen for the younger generation to know exactly what went on during the War and to appreciate the sacrifice that our lads made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

‘Being able to continue to tell my story at 100 is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do that.’

Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year.

But she has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences.

Supported by her Royal Foundation, Kate has been determined to ‘celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled and comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive’.

The Princess of Wales appeared radiant in a festive red coat, featuring a statement bow detail as she attended the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey

The Princess couldn’t contain her laughter as she chatted to actor Richard E. Grant (pictured left)

Pictured: The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London last month

Following the two minute silence, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a supportive hand on the Princess of Wales’ back as they left the balcony

Appropriately the front cover of the Order of Service features a stunning illustration by artist and author, Charlie Macksey, creator of The Boy, The Fox and The Mole of a group of people walking towards the abbey, arms entwined, in a blanket of snow.

It reads: ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’

Although the idea was Macksey’s, there it little doubt that it is also a message from the princess to her nearest and dearest.

The artist said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.

‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’

This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

In the letter, Her Royal Highness also reflects on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences. 

The future queen’s concert, which will air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve for the fourth year in a row, is supported by The Royal Foundation and today attended by royals and celebrities, including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and Adam Peaty.

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, greets children who are performing at Westminster Abbey

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, stands with Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith

Susanna Reid stunned in a velvet suit as she led the celebrity arrivals for the carols

ITV presenter Lorraine was looking festive in a long tartan coat as she matched with the Princess of Wales

Sir Chris Hoy, who recently revealed news of his terminal cancer diagnosis, attended with his wife Sarra

Celebrity power couple Tom and Giovanna Fletcher arrived at the Together At Christmas service

Hannah Waddingham, who has worked closely with William and Kate for the Earthshot prize, was a vision in a floral dress

The actress added a long burgundy coat over her shoulders for a Christmassy feel

Paloma Faith was in full festive mode with a bright red dress, gloves, tights and kitten heels

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, stands with Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan showed off their legendary romance as they arrived holding a programme

Kate was all smiles as she shook hands with actor Richard E Grant as preparations for the carols were in full swing

The service will, Kensington Palace said, ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’. ‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.    

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan. 

Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School. 

During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant. 

Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan. 

Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service. 

This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ will be situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.

‘In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people. 

A letter from The Princess of Wales for the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service

The cover for the Order of Service has been designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and bears a powerful message of hope – as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year 

Workers trim the tree for the Princess of Wales’ carol service

The event takes place at Westminster Abbey

Kate with Charlotte and Louis holding candles during the service filmed in 2023

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme, airing at on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. 

The broadcast will feature three special films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need. 

Alongside the service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.

Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities whilst also including elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including the special letter from The Princess of Wales. 

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