The Princess of Wales brought elegance in abundance to Westminster Abbey as she prepared to welcome fellow members of the royal family and celebrity guests to her annual Together at Christmas Carol Service on Friday evening.
Kate, 42, looked sensational in a show-stopping red coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen – the fashion-forward royal’s usual designer of choice.
The split of Kate’s coat revealed just a hint of the beautifully striking pattern on the skirt.
Meanwhile, the mother-of-three paired the long red coat with black suede stiletto boots with a flattering pointed toe by Ralph Lauren. In addition to the gorgeous bow, the Princess of Wales wore the Amberley Baroque pearl earrings from Mulberry.
© GettyKate was beaming from ear to ear as she walked into the Abbey solo as host of the occasion.
Shortly after Kate’s arrival, her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, joined the evening’s festivities.
The Prince of Wales kept things simple in a classic suit with a burgundy tie, while their sons George and Louis adorably matched in their suits with vibrant red ties. Princess Charlotte, meanwhile, looked lovely in a burgundy coat dress – just like her mum – paired with navy tights and smart shoes.
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© GettyAlso joining the Wales family in the capital was Kate’s family including her parents Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton, her sister, Pippa, and her brother, James, all of whom attended last year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were not in attendance. Meanwhile, in addition to royal guests, there were notable names on the guest list including Team GB Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, singer Paloma Faith, and Sir Chris Hoy.
© Chris Jackson, GettyOther familiar faces were Kate Garraway, Lorraine Kelly, Giovana Fletcher and singer Gregory Porter.
Royal fashion was on full display at the event. Zara Tindall wowed in a tailored velvet suit in the most gorgeous red-wine hue, designed by Veronica Beard, while Princess Beatrice wore a coat dress in a similar shade.
Duchess Sophie, meanwhile, donned a fabulously retro ensemble with a paisley dress and suede boots.
© Samir HusseinKate’s sister, Pippa, looked sensational in a chic black and red outfit. She wore a midi-length boucle jacket with bold buttons and a glittering silver thread that caught the light as she strode into the iconic London venue.
Her midi jacket was styled with a ruby velvet clutch and sparkling bow earrings.
Princess Kate’s festive outings
Kate’s stunning ensemble at the carol service comes shortly after she and William welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at their private residence earlier this week.
The royal wore a coat dress in a beautiful maroon shade. Complete with structured shoulders, double-breasted detailing and a figure-flattering cut, the Princess of Wales’s silhouette looked streamlined in the tailored Alexander McQueen coat, which she paired with a burgundy beret by Sahar Millinery.
© James WhatlingThe Princess polished off the stellar look with a glittering pearl and diamond necklace, which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate was involved in the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London, travelling in a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace, before lunch and viewing an exhibition of Qatari items in the Picture Gallery.
© WPA PoolKate’s Together at Christmas concert
The Together at Christmas Carol service is always a special event in the Princess of Wales’ calendar, but it’s extra special this year as it’ll be one of just a few public engagements she’s fulfilled since completing her preventative chemotherapy for cancer in September.
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The majestic Abbey was decorated with trees and foliage from Windsor Great Park donated by the King and decked with twinkling lights and nature-inspired, sustainable ornaments.
Each guest received an Order of Service with a heartwarming illustration by Charlie Mackesy on the cover, showing a group of people with arms around one another walking through the snow towards the Abbey above the caption: “How did I help?” “You were by my side, which was everything”.
The mother of three has hosted the annual event since 2021 to celebrate people who support those in need.
© GettyIn a statement announcing the heartwarming event, Kensington Palace shared that the 2024 edition of the festive service will reflect “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.
“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.”
