The carol service aims to celebrate community heroes, support charitable work, and promote mental health awareness, family bonds, and mutual compassion in line with unity and belonging.

After the service, Westminster Abbey candles will be donated to the Church Candle Challenge, with 15 related community carol services continuing the spirit through December.

The year’s theme centers on love in all its forms.

Kensington Palace describes the event as a celebration of love and togetherness across families, communities, and cultures, highlighting connection and compassion during Christmas.

Around 1,600 attendees from across the country will participate, united by love, compassion, and community.

The program features a diverse lineup of readings and music, including the Westminster Abbey choir and a wreath display by the Royal Horticultural Society in partnership with ambassadors and schoolchildren.

The Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey marks its fifth year, hosted by the Princess of Wales, with a high-profile lineup and royal attendance.

Performers for the Westminster Abbey service include Katie Melua, Fisherman’s Friends, Griff, Hannah Waddingham, and Dan Smith from Bastille, with Prince William delivering a reading and potential appearances by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Beyond Westminster Abbey, about 15 community carol services across the UK will take place at venues such as a Coronation Street visitor centre and a Newbury arts centre, under The Royal Foundation’s guidance and the same love-and-togetherness theme.

About 1,600 guests are expected, and Kensington Palace has released a confirmed performers list.

Kate and William have previously attended with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis; this year’s guest list may differ.

Westminster Abbey’s world-famous choir will perform carols and provide traditional readings.

The service will honor Catherine’s appreciation for nature as a connector, include readings from Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Joe Locke, with musical contributions from Paul Gladstone Reid and Prince William.

Now in its fifth year, the event emphasizes love across families, friendships, communities, and acts of kindness between strangers.

The plans proceed despite distractions surrounding the royal family's housing/news developments, including the Andrew eviction matter.

Eight young performers from Future Talent will welcome guests; the Abbey will feature woodland-inspired decorations and wreaths donated by the Royal Horticultural Society and designer Simon Lycet.

A central feature is a 'Connection Tree'—guests can add their own named loop to a paper chain, supported by Hobbycraft, reinforcing the theme of togetherness.

The service aims to celebrate love in all its forms and offers royals time with people who were part of their year while honoring various causes and patronages.

Launched in 2021, the event has grown into a high-profile occasion with strong royal turnout and support from Kate’s family to celebrate and aid communities through local services.

Past concerts in 2023 and 2022 continued the themes of birth, hope, and remembrance, with various artists and tributes to the Queen and frontline workers.

There is ongoing anticipation for 2025, with suggestions of a surprise element by Kate, though details remain undisclosed.

The 2024 concert featured a personal letter from Kate to attendees, themes of love and healing, readings, and performances, with a large royal turnout.

Details on other family members’ presence aren’t disclosed; the event is framed as a highly anticipated festive gathering.

In 2021, Kate accompanied Tom Walker on piano, a moment that drew widespread acclaim and showcased her musical involvement.

The broadcast plan includes the Westminster Abbey service airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with nationwide linked carols.