Kate Middleton hosted her ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service this evening.
This is the fourth time the Princess of Wales has hosted the annual carol service since 2021. It’s fast becoming a highlight of the festive season.
Westminster Abbey looked so festive!
Kate looked suitably Christmassy in her bold red coat topped with a bow, tartan midi skirt and black boots. (Want details? There’s a full outfit overview further down the page.)
As in previous years, the Princess arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of her family to greet organisers, meet guests, chat with performers and look at the decorations.
According to reports, the Princess has been very hands-on with the service this year, and has held regular planning meetings at Windsor.
Here’s Kate talking with singer-songwriter and musician, Gregory Porter who is singing in this year’s show:
Here, she’s talking with Paloma Faith:
The Princess poignantly told the singer ‘I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had’, referring to her surgery, cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.
In a lighter moment, the pair swapped stories about their children, which led to laughs all round.
Paloma told Kate that her child knew she was off to sing for “princesses and kings and queens” but told her mother “don’t get your head cut off” in the car on the way to school this morning. Paloma joked, “I don’t think they do that anymore!”
Then, Kate exchanged an anecdote with Paloma. The Princess said she’d told Louis about the ballerinas performing in tonight’s service two weeks ago over dinner but had told him to keep it as a surprise for Charlotte, who “loves her ballet.” She thinks the young prince managed to keep the secret from his sister.
The Princess later joined her husband and children outside the church, and the family walked back into the building together. The five royals colour-coordinated in tones of red, burgundy and navy (we’ve come to expect no less!)
Tonight’s appearance is the first time the family have been seen together in public since Trooping the Colour back in June.
Kate’s wider family attended the service too, including her mother Carol, her brother James, her sister Pippa, Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall, The Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured) and many others.
Reflecting on an incredibly difficult past 12 months, Kate chose the theme of “love and empathy” for this year’s carol service:
This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult time of our lives.
The guest list reflects this theme—Kate’s invited 1,600 people who have shown love, kindness and empathy for others in their communities.
Guests included 18-year-old Olivia, a volunteer from the ‘From Me To You’ charity. The charity sends anonymous letters to cancer patients to create connections and bring comfort, aiming to reduce social isolation and the loneliness so often associated with cancer. The teen sent a supportive message to Kate earlier this year and told her about the charity.
9-year-old Shyla also attended. Shyla has raised more than £2,000 for a friend’s family this year.
Other guests included a couple in their 80s from Scotland who regularly show kindness in their local community, five World War II veterans and a Paralympic Swimmer.
Charlie Mackesy designed the front cover for this year’s Order of Service. It features a bespoke illustration designed by Mackesy, the author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
The design captures a snowy scene with a group of people huddled together. Beneath the illustration, a quote reads: “How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.” It’s a touching sentiment that encapsulates the service’s focus on togetherness and support during challenging times.
As in previous years, tonight’s service mixed traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none and guests performed some of the nation’s most beloved carols.
You’ll have to wait to watch the performances and singing, though. The carol service will air on TV on Christmas Eve. It’ll form part of a special programme that be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX in the United Kingdom.
My most frequently asked question at the moment is “where can I watch this in the USA”. I’m informed it’s on Britbox.
In addition to the Westminster Abbey Service, fifteen ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Services are taking place across the UK this month, each hosted by Lord-Lieutenants and supported by The Royal Foundation.
Let’s look at Kate’s outfit now.
Kate Middleton’s outfit for Together At Christmas:
For the fourth year running, Kate’s look encapsulated the festive spirit.
Kate’s vibrant red, double-breasted coat was the centrepiece of her outfit this evening. It’s by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
The piece features a longline silhouette and tailored fit. The coat is bespoke (made just for Kate) but it shares many elements of coats in McQueen’s past ready-to-wear collections (below).
Kate added a black velvet bow at the neckline, which brought a festive twist.
The bow was a fine example of literal dressing—bows are synonymous with gift wrapping and Christmas! The Princess loves a bit of literal dressing!
The coat will feel familiar to my regular readers. Kate’s worn it three times in public already. To the launch of the ‘Hold Still’ outdoor photography exhibition at Waterloo, London in October 2020, during a visit to Cardiff for the Royal Train tour in December 2020, and at the England v Papua New Guinea rugby game in November 2022 (pictured below).
Kate owns the coat in two other colours as well, brown and green:
Sadly, the coats are not available to buy. This is the closest I could find by the brand—but it’s black.
I think we all know that Alexander McQueen is one of Kate’s go-to brands. Sarah Burton’s designs have been a mainstay in the Princess’s wardrobe for almost 14 years—since she joined the Royal Family.
Of course, Kate famously wore two McQueen gowns on her wedding day. She’s leaned on the design house for many significant public appearances since 2011—including both of the late Queen Elizabeth’s jubilees, all three Christenings of her children, and many official overseas visits.
Alexander McQueen is a British luxury fashion house renowned for its dramatic, avant-garde designs and meticulous craftsmanship. Founded by the late Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992, the label quickly gained acclaim for pushing the boundaries of fashion. Sarah Burton led the design house from 2010 to 2023.
Let’s look at Kate’s gorgeous tartan skirt now. It’s by Emilia Wickstead.
The skirt is cut in an A-line silhouette and features sharp knife pleats. It is finished with a belted waist. The bold red plaid pattern is beautifully seasonal. It’s the ‘Pris’ skirt and is from Emilia Wickstead’s Autumn-Winter 2018 collection.
According to the Regal Fille blog, the collection was inspired by the 1970’s film, ‘Love Story’ and originally retailed for $1,295 before going on sale at $777.
This is the skirt’s third public outing. Kate first wore it in 2018 to a Christmas Party with the Royal British Legion (pictured below). She wore it again, two years later, during the Cardiff leg of the Royal Train Tour (underneath the same red McQueen coat.)
Sadly, as this is an older season piece, it is no longer available to buy.
The House of Bruar sells a Red Stewart check pleated skirt (below) crafted from 100% pure new wool if you’re looking to copy Kate’s heritage style this Christmas. See it here.
Emilia Wickstead is another staple brand in Kate’s wardrobe. The label is known for their impeccably tailored silhouettes and a feminine, timeless aesthetic. The London-based designer has dressed Kate for numerous high-profile events during overseas visits, the Wimbledon Winner’s Trophy presentation and the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Kate frequently opts for Wickstead’s chic daytime dresses for public engagements, often featuring clean lines and flattering fits in a rainbow of hues.
Emilia Wickstead is a New Zealand-born, London-based designer. After training in Milan and New York, she founded her eponymous label in 2008, quickly becoming a favourite among high-profile clients and royalty. Wickstead’s designs often feature demure necklines, structured shapes, and flattering fits—the perfect polished aesthetic for formal occasions.
Let’s look at Kate’s boots now. They’re by Ralph Lauren. Kate’s worn them before.
They’re made from suede and feature a pointed toe, a suede-covered heel and a side zip. They were made in Italy. This is the Princess’s 13th time wearing them in public.
I know this will disappoint many, but sadly, the boots are no longer available to buy.
Kate’s no stranger to Ralph Lauren, she’s worn the American brand several times in public over the last 13 years. She’s sported the company’s tops, dresses, blazers, and shoes during her decade as a working Royal.
Ralph Lauren is a distinguished American fashion brand established in 1967 by designer Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren’s offerings span a broad spectrum, appealing to a wide audience from casual consumers to the fashion-forward elite. Originating from a humble line of men’s ties, the brand has grown into a global fashion empire.
Next, let’s look at the one new item in Kate’s ensemble this evening, her gold and pearl earrings.
They’re the ‘Amberley’ earrings by Mulberry. (ID by MiddletonMaven / Christine). The earrings feature gold-plated brass drop detailing in the shape of Mulberry’s iconic Rider’s Lock, from which suspends a baroque pearl.
The earrings retailed for $320 before going on sale for $224. They also came in silver. Sadly, they’re already sold out at Mulberry.com and other retailers (I checked a bunch!)
While this is the first pair of earrings Kate’s worn from Mulberry, she’s certainly well acquainted with the brand. She owns more than 10 of the company’s handbags, and she’s also worn several of their coats and dresses too.
Mulberry, founded in 1971, is synonymous with luxury British craftsmanship, renowned for its expertly crafted leather goods, and renowned for its impeccable quality and classic designs. Mulberry is well established as a British lifestyle brand, with a design philosophy that draws from English rural traditions.
Kate finished the look with a Halcyon Days bangle.
The Princess owns three of these bangles, all quite similar. They’re not the easiest to identify from photographs, either, as the glass cabochons catch the light and reflect a different colour. But I’ve had a good look at the images from tonight’s carol service, and I am pretty confident that she wore the ‘Salamander’ Toque Bracelet in ‘Forget-Me-Not’. The piece is crafted from 18ct gold-plated brass and retailed for £150.
I’ve checked Halycon Days’s website and the ‘Forget-Me-Not’ version is not currently available. But they do sell the same bangle with other coloured stones instead. I’m thinking this will make a nice Christmas present!
Halcyon Days was established in 1950 as an emporium of antique gifts in Mayfair, London. The brand revived the artisan craft of enamelling on copper. Today, they offer an extensive range of English fine bone china and premium accessories alongside their signature enamel boxes. Their products are sold all around the world, but they continue to be crafted by hand in the UK.
MORE FESTIVE FASHION:
Kate’s ‘Together At Christmas’ Outfit from 2021:
Kate’s ‘Together At Christmas’ Outfit from 2022:
Kate’s ‘Together At Christmas’ Outfit from 2023:
Another lovely Christmas look from Catherine
Hello Carly ,
I enjoy every single article.
Oftentimes, I add several items on my wishlist ( my mind .)
And , it is fun and gives me pleasure.
I’d like to know her beauty/ hair routine and what she uses .
Thank you!
Aw thanks for the lovely comments. It makes my day when people give me feedback.
I’ve got it on my list to write an article on her hair and beauty in the New Year, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think any new information about her routines/preferred products has come out in years. It’ll all be older info sadly.
I love the detail you provide.
Thank you.
I am so glad Catherine is back after her long health journey. I have missed your columns (if this were printed). You can watch the program on Christmas Eve in the US if you have a VPN service.
I am so glad you reported on the conversation between Catherine and Paloma Faith. Even with my sound turned up, I couldn’t hear all of it. I did hear Catherine and Louis’ conversation over tea and how everyone was amazed that he could keep the secret at six.
So nice to see the family out and about for the Holidays. Hopefully the coming year will be healthy and happy for all of them. Thanks for your post, Carly!!
I wonder what Sarah Burton is doing these days?
I have always liked that skirt Kate is wearing. The coat is classic as well. The ones you posted by the designer are beautiful too, I especially like the red ones with the irregular hems.
Although I like the bow, I wouldn’t wear it with this coat, I think it interferes with the lapels. If the coat didn’t have lapels, it would work better, imo. I’d change out those boots, too – mostly because I personally wouldn’t wear heels like that.
Happy Holidays, everyone!!
I have always liked that skirt, too.
Too bad the royal women have stopped wearing hats. In the Queen’s time, it really set them apart – and above.
Dressed for success!