The Prince and Princess of Wales have hosted an annual Christmas concert at Westminister Abbey in London to celebrate community work.
The royal family say the event, which Princess Catherine launched five years ago, offers them a chance to thank people across Britain for volunteering, raising funds for charity and supporting the vulnerable.
The service was held at Westminster Abbey. (Reuters: Aaron Chown)
Catherine, 43, last year completed a course of preventative chemotherapy to address an unspecified form of cancer.
She gave each guest a note highlighting how a “moment of listening” and “word of comfort” can make a difference to people’s lives.
This is the fifth time the princess has held the service. (Reuters: Aaron Chown)
She and Prince William were pictured arriving at the service with their three children, George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7.
William was due to deliver a reading before 1,600 guests, along with actors Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joe Locke, as well as actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé.
The royal family attended the service alongside 1,600 other guests. (Reuters: Chris Jackson)
“At a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain, the Christmas season invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope,” Catherine wrote in her note.
The service was aimed at people of all faiths and those without faith, her Kensington Palace office said.
Westminster Abbey’s choir was due to sing traditional Christmas carols, alongside performances of more contemporary music by Katie Melua.
The ‘Together at Christmas’ service will be broadcast on Britain’s ITV television on Christmas Eve. (Reuters: Chris Jackson)
The “Together at Christmas” service will be broadcast on Britain’s ITV television on Christmas Eve, while 15 community carol services supported by the couple’s Royal Foundation charitable arm will be held across Britain during December.
Reuters
