Together at Christmas is an annual Christmas carol service held at Westminster Abbey in London. Established in 2021, the event is organised by the Royal Foundation and is hosted by Catherine, Princess of Wales. The service includes invited guests from across the United Kingdom, including individuals recognised for service to their communities, and features carols, musical performances and readings. It is televised in the UK as a Christmas special.
The first Together at Christmas carol service was held at Westminster Abbey in December 2021.[1] It was hosted by Catherine, then known as Duchess of Cambridge, and was intended to recognise people who had supported their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] The service was supported by the Royal Foundation.[3][4]
The service included performances by Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding, a reading by Prince William as well as appearances by the actor Tom Felton and the poet Lemn Sissay.[5][6] Catherine played the piano during a performance of “For Those Who Can’t Be Here” by Tom Walker.[3] It marked her first public musical performance.[2] 1,200 invited guests were recognised for their contributions during the pandemic, including Jordan Henderson, for his role in organising Premier League players’ donations to the NHS; Angela Hartnett, who supported hospital staff through large-scale meal provision; and Jason Manford, who assisted with local deliveries during shortages.[1] The service was broadcast on Christmas Eve and included an introduction from Catherine.[3]
2022
The 2022 service sought to acknowledge the quiet contributions of people and communities across the United Kingdom and the sense of connection such work can foster.[7] Kensington Palace dedicated the service to the late queen Elizabeth II, who died in September that year.[7][8]
The Abbey was decorated with a Christmas tree hung with small Paddington Bear ornaments, and guests entered through falling snow created for the event.[7] The programme featured performances by the singer Craig David, the actress Samantha Barks, and a duet by Alfie Boe and Melanie C.[9] Readings were given by Prince William, the actress Kristin Scott Thomas and the actor Hugh Bonneville.[9]
Members of the Royal Family attended the service, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as extended family members.[9] The service was attended by around 2,000 invited guests recognised for their work in supporting others.[7]
A public vote selected O Come, All Ye Faithful as the final carol, sung in tribute to the late queen.[10] The service was broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve; the broadcast was narrated by the actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.[9]
2023
Adam Lambert (left) and Freya Ridings performed a duet at the service.
The 2023 service highlighted those supporting babies, young children and families across the United Kingdom.[11]
1,500 guests were invited in recognition of their work supporting babies, young children and families.[11] The service was also attended by members of the extended royal family, as well as Catherine's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her sister Pippa.[14][11] It was the first occasion on which all three of William and Catherine's children—George, Charlotte and Louis—attended the service.[12] The service was broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.[12]
2024
Paloma Faith (left) and Gregory Porter performed a duet at the service.
The 2024 service celebrated kindness, empathy and support for others, with a theme centred on love and compassionate connection.[15] The service was attended by 1,600 invited guests from across the United Kingdom, recognised for their service to their communities.[16] A specially commissioned illustration by Charlie Mackesy featured on the Order of Service, and a “Kindness Tree” invited guests to dedicate decorations to people who had shown them care and support.[17][16]
The 2025 service centred on themes of compassion, mutual support and service to others, continuing the event's focus on recognising community contribution.[19][20]
Musical performances were given by the Choir of Westminster Abbey alongside invited artists.[19][21]
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