Princess Kate will bravely take her first leading role since her cancer ordeal as she hosts her annual Christmas Carol Service with her husband and children by her side.
It marks her biggest royal return of the year, as instead of taking a supporting role Kate, 42, will be centre stage in a huge personal moment for the future Queen.
“Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times,” Kate wrote in a letter to the 1,600 guests invited to the Westminster Abbey concert on Friday.
It highlights the themes of her Together at Christmas Carol Service, which are kindness, love, empathy, and being there for each other through tough times.
Tonight, members of the Royal Family and special guests will attend the service, which will be filled with festive carols, musical performances, and poignant readings. Below, Express.co.uk shares the Order of Service in full:
Paul Greally, Assistant Organist, plays:
- Prelude and Fugue in G BWV 541 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
- Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 – Johann Sebastian Bach
- Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – Flor Peeters (1903–86)
- Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her BWV 606 – Johann Sebastian Bach
- Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her – Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
- 6 Studies in Canonic Form Op 56 iii) Andantino and iv) Innig – Robert Schumann (1810–56)
- Mäßig, doch nicht zu langsam Robert Schumann from 6 Fugue on B-A-C-H Op 60 – Robert Schumann
The Sub-Organist plays
- Prelude on ‘The Holly and the Ivy’; Herbert Sumsion (1899–1995)
Once in Royal David’s city is sung by the choir and audience.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle KCVO MBE, Dean of Westminster, welcomes the congregation, concluding with the Prayer: Eternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty. Word to pierce the world’s darkness with the light of salvation: give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven; through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gregory Porter sings Do You Hear What I Hear? By Gloria Shayne and Noel Regney, arranged by Simon Haw
Michelle Dockery reads Reflections on Empathy and Kindness
All stand to sing the Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful
The choir sings the carol In the Stillness by Sally Beamish and Katrina Shepherd.
Prince William reads the first Lesson, from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
JP Cooper, together with The Soul Sanctuary Choir, sings O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam, arranged by Simon Haw.
Richard E. Grant reads an extract from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
The choir sings the Colours of Christmas by John Rutter as soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from the Royal Ballet School perform.
Paloma Fath sings This Christmas by Donny Hathaway, arranged by Simon Haw.
A film is played: Nature at Christmas.
Sophie Okonedo CBE reads The Kindness of Trees by Jackie Kay (b 1961). Piano music composed and performed by Rosey Chan.
The choir sings Shepherd’s Pipe Carol by John Rutter.
Adam Peaty OBE reads the second Lesson, Luke 2: 8-16.
A film is played: The Joy of Togetherness.
All stand to sing Away in a Manger.
The Dean gives a Reflection.
Olivia Dean sings The Christmas Song by Robert Wells and Mel Torme, arranged by Simon Haw.
The Dean pronounces the blessing.
All sing the Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
