PERFECT PRINCESS
Princess Kate dazzles as she joins Prince William, George and Charlotte for Together at Christmas carol concert
PRINCESS Kate dazzled last night as she joined her husband Prince William and their children for her Together at Christmas carol concert.
The service, which aired on ITV, is dedicated to the Queen as the Royal family spend their first festive season without the late monarch.
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Princess Kate opened the service by paying tribute to the Queen’s "incredible legacy" and thanked her for "bringing us together" in a touching video message.
The princess, who spearheaded the service with support from The Royal Foundation, said she was "thrilled" to return to the abbey for a second year.
She said: "This Christmas will be our first without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
"Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.
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"This year, we've invited hundreds of inspiring individuals to the service.
"Those who showcase the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty's tradition of recognising and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.
"Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us."
Kate dedicated the service to the Queen and to "all those who are sadly no longer with us".
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She added: "So, whilst Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared.
"Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special."
As Royals - including King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla - took their seats in Westminster Abbey, the service began.
Celebs including Dame Judi Dench, Ashley Banjo and Martin Kemp shared their Christmas traditions.
During the service, Princess Kate shared a rare picture of a young Queen Elizabeth while sitting with three members of the public who went "above and beyond" to help their communities this year.
Midwife Carys Hammond, 39, volunteer Akbar Khan, 50, and Ex-Veteran Lionel Digby, 87, all shared some special pictures from Christmas time.
Kate then went on to reveal a black and white image of a young Queen Elizabeth participating in a Christmas performance.
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She said: "It really resonated with me seeing her majesty here doing the production on Christmas Day during the second World War, which I thought was really special."
Carys said: "She looks really happy doesn't she?"
Kate continued: "I can remember doing this sort of thing as a little girl too.
"When I saw this photograph, it's wonderful now, I see my children's love for doing this sort of thing, putting on little shows for us."
The princess joked she gets invited to join in and they end up dancing around the table.
Her three other guests also shared meaningful images as they reflected on the year that's been.
Others who appeared on-screen at last night's carol service included the Westminster Abbey choir, singer Craig David and Alfie Boe and Melanie C.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas delivered readings.
Viewers at home were touched when Deborah James' family were seen lighting a candle in her memory.
The inspirational Sun columnist tragically died from bowel cancer aged just 40.
A Christmas tree in the abbey was decorated with small Paddington Bears, a nod to the late Queen's famous sketch.
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As they arrived, guests were greeted with atmospheric snowflakes from a snow machine at the entrance.
Narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas was filmed on December 15 in front of an audience of more than 1,800 people at Westminster Abbey.
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