Britain’s Princess of Wales paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth at a hymn service in Westminster Abbey, saying the royal family’s first Christmas without the late monarch would feel very different.
King Charles, attended by Queen Consort Camilla, joined his son Prince William, Kate, and different family members at the benefit in the sanctuary where Elizabeth’s funeral in September. The melody service took place last week and broadcasts on Saturday.
Kate is William’s wife and became Princess of Wales after Charles ascended to the throne, hosted the occasion, and saved it for Elizabeth, and those are sadly no longer with us.
So while Christmas will handle very differently this year, we can still recall the memories and practices we communicated, Kate said in an opening to the service. Elizabeth perished on Sept. 8, aged 96, after 70 years on the throne.
Her Majesty held Christmas near to her nature as a time that brought people jointly and reminded us of the essence of faith, friendship, and family, and demonstrating empathy and charity, she said.
The family showed a united front at the service on Dec. 15 – the same day that the last episodes of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan’s Netflix documentary series were released.
Harry, who trekked down from royal duties in 2020, piled fresh criticism on his family in the series, including blaming his older brother William for screaming at him during a summit to discuss his future.
This year, we’ve asked hundreds of inspiring people to their benefit. Those who showcase the strength of connectedness and neighborhood values allow us to resume Her Majesty’s practice of realizing and thanking those who keep going above and beyond to help others. Her Majesty leaves with us a fantastic legacy and one that has greatly inspired many of Kate Middleton added.
“So, while Christmas will touch every other this year, we can still recall the recollections and traditions we shared. Take time to slow down and observe with family and friends all the great things that make Christmas so special,” she further said.
The broadcast will also offer Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, obtaining a letter from Kate Middleton thanking her, The Mirror reported.
Kate joins by many members of the vast Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales, children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and the King and Queen Consort.
Presenting the program – which will air on ITV on Christmas Eve – the princess, who spearheaded the service with help from The Royal Foundation, said she was delighted to return to the sanctuary for a second year.
“This Christmas will be ours instead without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“Her Majesty held Christmas near her heart as a time that got people together and reminded us of the essence of faith, friendship, and home, and to show empathy and compassion.
“This year invited hundreds of inspiring individuals to the service.
“Those who showcase the strength of connectedness and society values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s practice of realizing and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.
Her Majesty gives us a fantastic legacy that has deeply inspired many of us.
Kate saved the service to the Queen and to all those who are sadly not extended with us.
She added that while Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember our shared memories and traditions.
Take time to slow down and observe with home and friends all the beautiful things that make Christmas unique.
The broadcast will also show Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, obtaining a letter from Kate thanking her for the respect she supplies to families and children attending the school amid the conflict in their home nation.
A Christmas tree in the abbey decorates with small Paddington Bear decorations, a nod to the delinquent Queen’s famous sketch. At the same time, guests were welcomed with atmospheric snowflakes from a snow machine as they arrived at the entrance.
