Kate Middleton’s Christmas Carol Service attracts Royals, but why was King Charles absent?
Kate Middleton hosted her fifth annual Christmas carol service, “Together at Christmas,” at Westminster Abbey in London on December 5th. The event had a royal turnout, with members of the royal family and other distinguished guests attending. Among the royal attendees were Zara Tindall, Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and other prominent figures. Notably, Prince William arrived with his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
While many royal family members graced the event, King Charles and Queen Camilla were notably absent. Although they had attended the service in 2022, they skipped this year’s event. Speculation suggests that King Charles and Queen Camilla may have chosen to let Princess Kate take the spotlight for the night, as the event is one of her passion projects. This move allowed Kate and Prince William to be the senior-most royals present.
King Charles and Princess Kate share a special bond, as evidenced by his endearing reference to her as “my beloved daughter-in-law” during a state banquet in Kenya in 2023. This bond has strengthened over the years, especially after both faced cancer diagnoses in 2024. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted their close relationship, suggesting that Kate is like the daughter King Charles never had, with both sharing a protective instinct towards each other.
Support for Princess Kate extended beyond the royal family, with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, attending the service to show their support. Also present were Kate’s brother, James Middleton, and his wife, Alizée Thevenet. The 2025 service also saw celebrity guests such as Eugene Levy, Dame Mary Berry, Kate Winslet, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
The “Together at Christmas” carol service was initiated by Princess Kate in 2021 to honour individuals in the UK who had displayed exceptional dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tradition has continued as an evening of music, community, and unity. This year’s service, themed “love in all its forms,” brought together a congregation of 1,600 people, fostering a sense of compassion and togetherness.
Despite the absence of King Charles and Queen Camilla, Princess Kate’s Christmas carol service was a testament to the spirit of togetherness and celebration. The event serves as a platform for spreading love and gratitude, embodying the essence of the holiday season. With each passing year, Princess Kate’s unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and fostering connections shines through in this heartwarming tradition.