The date has been set for the annual Christmas carol concert organised by the Princess of Wales marking the official start of the festive season – and an expert says it could pose a dilemma
The countdown to Christmas is officially on – and it marks the start of a magical time of year for the Princess of Wales. The festive season is always a busy period for the Royal Family, with special engagements, glamorous events and, of course, family get-togethers all on the cards.
And for Kate and her three young children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – this year’s Christmas countdown will be even more special. After a ‘brutal’ 2024, the Wales family are now looking to Christmas 2025 in a brand new home, after moving to Forest Lodge from Adelaide Cottage last month.
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And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells the Mirror that Kate will love nothing more than making Christmas special for her children at their new home – just as her mother Carole did for Kate and her siblings.
She said: “Having been brought up in such a happy, cohesive family, Catherine loves making Christmas just as special for her children. “I’m sure her mother, with her Party Pieces business, had all sorts of wonderful knick-knacks to decorate the house. In these eco-friendly days, I imagine that Catherine gets the children involved in making more sustainable decorations from materials they have foraged.
“Of course, this year is going to be extra special because they are in their new home (not, I imagine for Christmas Day itself, but certainly in the run-up). In line with many families these days, she might perhaps give each of the children a Christmas box at the beginning of December.
“That could include a homemade Advent Calendar, with little treats for each day of the month. And perhaps some Christmas pyjamas? After all, what’s the point of having them just for the day itself? And a Christmas book to get them in the mood.”
And with the number of shopping days left until Christmas slowly drifting away, Jennie also believes that William and Kate will be collecting Christmas lists from their children.
Of course, George, Charlotte and Louis could be given all their hearts’ desire when it comes to gift giving – but Jennie believes Kate will want to be careful.
She explained: “Catherine and William have tried not to spoil their children unduly, which can’t be easy when you love them to bits and can basically give them anything they want! One thing they most definitely won’t be getting, however much they beg, is a smartphone. Mind you, that line is going to become increasingly difficult to hold as George enters his teenage years.
And on the subject of technology, she added: “Parents across the world will identify with their concerns. It sounds as if William and Catherine might compromise by allowing him a brick phone. And that’s very much the way that many schools and parents are heading these days.”
Jennie continued: “Moving to Forest Lodge and putting down permanent roots must be so exciting, so I’m sure that the holiday time they spend there is going to be pretty magical.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to official duties, there’s one thing Kate will no doubt be putting the finishing touches to – her annual Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey.
It has been confirmed the event will be returning again on December 5, with the concert becoming the jewel in the Royal Family’s festive calendar.
It is understood that this year, Kate wanted to recognise and thank people around the country who are acting with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society.
As is tradition, carols will be sung by the Westminster Abbey choir and there will be other musical performances, as well as readings by actors Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Jennie added: “Catherine has made the Christmas period uniquely hers. It is the time of year when she steps forward and takes pride of place amongst the working royals.
“Together at Christmas began five years ago, and has gone from strength to strength. It began as a way to honour everyone who helped the country get through the Covid pandemic— and it is now a staple part of the royal year.
“At that first service she very bravely — and skilfully— played the piano accompaniment for Tom Walker’s ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’. It set the tone of the event, and the seal on Catherine being front and centre of the services that have followed.
“They are months in the planning, and she is involved in every detail. Last year was obviously especially important, marking the Princess’s highest profile event as she slowly returned to royal duties after her cancer treatment.
“The message is always broadly the same: the value of standing side by side with our families and our broader communities to help us all through difficult and dark times.
“These events aren’t about dignitaries or celebrities ( although a smattering of stardust never goes amiss) : they are about ordinary people supporting one another through the challenges of life. And that’s an important message.
“It doesn’t take much for Catherine to be the star of an occasion, but this one is genuinely special because her signature is all over it, and many of the royal family turn out each year to celebrate with the princess and her guests.”
