Actress Michelle Dockery gives a reading at this year’s Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service

The Princess of Wales hosts her fourth Christmas service, ‘Together at Christmas’, at Westminster Abbey.

Together at Christmas was filmed for broadcast and developed and delivered in association with Westminster Abbey as a co-production between the Royal Foundation and BBC Studios Events Productions. The service will be broadcast as a special broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.

This year’s service is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of love and compassion and how much we need each other, especially during the most difficult times in our lives. The service will spotlight people from across the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities.

The annual Christmas service is supported by the Royal Foundation and chaired by the Princess of Wales. This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people who support those in need – people who have inspired, advised, comforted and, above all, shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive. This theme is inspired by the Christmas story, which encourages us to reflect on the experiences of others and the important human need to give and receive compassion.

The service combines traditional and modern elements to include people of all faiths and other faiths. The world-famous Westminster Abbey Choir will perform some of the country’s best-loved Christmas carols, alongside musical performances from guests including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter. The service will also share stories of some of the incredible guests in the community who have provided invaluable support in their communities.

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