December 5, 2025 • 10 mins
Tonight, Catherine turns Westminster Abbey into Britain’s most heart-warming Christmas event, honouring the late Duchess of Kent with music, readings and a celebration of love “in all its forms.” With Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, Chiwetel Ejiofor, brass players, wreaths, woodland entrances and the rumoured secret after-party (hors d’oeuvres confirmed?), this is the royal feel-good moment of the season. We preview the concert, Kate’s message of generosity and hope, and the final day of the German state visit — all before the Top 25 Royal Stories of 2025 begins later today!
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Hear our new show "Crown and Controversy: Prince Andrew" here.
Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.
👑 Follow our hit series Crown and Controversy! Season 1 is fully available now for everyone. Season 2 has new episodes every Sunday on the regular feed. GET THE FULL SEASON 2 BEFORE REGULAR LISTENERS as a subscriber! Hit that "UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING" Banner on the top of the Apple player. AND listen to Crown and Controversy "NORWAY'S ROYAL REBELS" here and get the full season as a premium subscriber now.
👑 The Palace Intrigue Social Hub is Live! Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram or click the links to start your royal journey!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Calarogu Shark Media, Hello and Welcome to Palace Intrigue host
Mark Francis. Catherine, the Princess of Wales will use tonight's
Together at Christmas Carol Service to pay a very personal
tribute to a recently departed member of the Royal Family,
(00:23):
while once again turning Westminster Abbey into the centerpiece of
a feel good, celebrity studded Christmas broadcast about love and connection.
This year's event carries the theme of love in all
its forms, whether it's in families, relationships or across communities,
and will be filmed for broadcast on Christmas Even Christmas Day,
(00:43):
Around one thousand, six hundred guests, many nominated by Lord
Lieutenants around the United Kingdom and by charities linked to
the Royal family, will attend the multi faith service, which
celebrates people who have quietly strengthened their communities over the
past year. Central to the night will be a musical
tribute to Catherine, the Duchess of Kent, who died in
(01:04):
September at the age of ninety two. Catherine, who was
married to Queen Elizabeth's cousin, the Duke of Kent, was
a former working royal but also a lifelong music lover
who famously stepped back from frontline royal duties to teach
under the name Missus Kent at a school in Hull.
To honor her memory, guests arriving at Westminster Abbey will
be welcomed by eight young brass players aged between thirteen
(01:28):
and eighteen from Future Talent, the music charity she co
founded in two thousand and four to support gifted children
from low income backgrounds. The performance gives those young musicians
a rare platform on a royal occasion and reflects the
Duchess's belief that music should be accessible to all. Inside
the abbey, the program will blend the traditional and the modern,
(01:49):
as Kensington Pallace has said, combining traditional and modern elements
to unite people of different faiths and none. The ceremony
will see the world renowned Westminster Abbey Choir perform some
of the country's best loved carols, accompanied by musical performances
and reading by invited guests, and the ceremony will also
highlight the stories of some of the Assembly's exceptional guests
(02:11):
who are leading by example and helping to create a
more caring society. Familiar names on the Order of service
include Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, she would tell EDG four
and Bestille's Dan Smith, alongside performers such as Griff, Katie Mellure,
Fisherman's Friends and young dancers from Platinum Performing Arts in
North London. The Prince of Wales will deliver one of
(02:32):
the readings, and members of the wider royal family, including
in all likelihood Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis,
are expected to join the congregation. Keith Wingslet will attend
in her new capacity as an ambassador for the King's Foundation,
King Charles the Third's charity. Announcing the role earlier this year,
she said, I am delighted to become an ambassador the
(02:53):
King's Foundation and the charity's thirty fifth anniversary year. One
of my passions is exploring ways that we can protect
and promote the next victual world, something I have in
common with His Majesty. I am therefore thrilled to put
this passion into practice by working with the King's Foundation.
I look forward to supporting the charity's life changing work
to build sustainable communities and transform lives into the future.
(03:15):
The overarching message of the night will be shaped by
the Princess of Wales's own reflections on love, vulnerability, and community,
particularly poignant in the year she announced she is in
remission from cancer. This year's Pallas statement explains this year
the evening will bring people together to celebrate love in
all its forms, whether it's love within families, through friendships
(03:36):
between communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.
In a world that can often seem fragmented and disconnected,
love is the force that reconnects us all across generations, communities, cultures,
and beliefs. As we approach the Christmas.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Season, we summon the power of solidarity and that of compassion, kindness,
and joy. It echoes themes Kate struck in her twenty
twenty four address when she said, it is when we
stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily
life that we find a space to live our lives
with an open heart, with love, kindness, and forgiveness so
much of what the Christmas Spirit is all about. Adding
(04:11):
the Christmas Story encourages us to consider the experiences and
feelings of others. Reflecting on her own and King Child's
health challenges, She also told viewers the love that we
show our souls and the love we show others, love
that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding,
love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.
Concluding in His love, which is the greatest gift we
(04:32):
can receive, not just a Christmas but every day of
our lives. The abbey itself will be transformed to match
those themes. Outside horticulturists Jamie Butterworth, we will create a
woodland style entrance using British trees sourced from plants in Weybridge,
interwoven with fruits, berries and Christmas trees. Wreaths inside the
abbey will be provided by the Royal Horticultural Society and
(04:55):
Forests Simon Lystt made in partnership with school children and
RHS ambassadors including Dame Mary Berry and Aerit Anderson, with
contributions from comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell. Guests
will be invited to add their own named paper loops
to a connection tree, a communal paper chain installation underscoring
(05:15):
the idea of togetherness. Afterwards, attendees can sheer mincepires donated
by Fortenham and Mason and hot chocolate provided by the
Royal Foundation. Alongside the Westminster Abbey service, some fifteen community
carol events around the United Kingdom in venues ranging from
an arts center in Newbury to a community farm in
Gwent and even the Coronation Street visitor Center. While I
(05:36):
go the same focus on the power of love and togetherness,
Katy's urging the nation to come together with generosity of heart,
understanding and hope as she prepares to host her concert.
In a personal message to the sixteen hundred guests attending
Friday's event, the Princess highlighted the importance of checking in
on loved ones at the time when life can sometimes
(05:57):
feel fragmented or uncertain. The Princess re directed on the
quieter meaning of the season, noting that Christmas speaks of
love taking form in the simplest, most human ways, including
small acts of kindness that contribute to the beautiful tapestry
of life to which we all belong. She encouraged people
to slow down amid the pace of December, and in
their words or choices, and even the ways we look
(06:17):
out for one another ripple outward touching lives. We may
never see this Carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness,
a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service,
and to honor the visible and invisible bonds that unite
us all. She thanked the volunteers present for their time,
care and compassion, which she said makes an extraordinary difference
to the lives of others. The Princess concluded by wishing
(06:40):
attendees a very happy Christmas and hope the season would
bring moments of peace and clarity. Does Kate have a
secret after party and if so, who is invited? Actress
Sophie Winkelmann let slip a charming detail about Princess Catherine's
annual carol concert. Speaking at last year's Fire of Saint
James Christmas charity event, mentioned that she has attended Catherine's
(07:02):
Christmas Carol Service three times. When asked which part of
the evening she enjoys the most, she answered beautiful music
and beautiful readings and or d'euvs. That last bit raised
a few questions. Viewers who watch the broadcast each year
will know there are no trays of canopies circulating inside
Westminster Abbey during the service itself, so where exactly are
these or d'uvs appearing. Her comment strongly hints at what
(07:26):
Royal watchers have long suspected. Once the formal Carol service ends,
the Royals likely head to the more private reception where
they can relax together of a festive nibbles think geez
crackers and other seasonal treats away from the cameras. It
would certainly be logical, with so many members of the
family gathered smartly dressed and already in one place for
Catherine's big Christmas event, extending the night with the quieter
(07:47):
family gathering fills almost inevitable. The only mystery now is
whether that presumed post concert reception is strictly for family,
or whether some of this year's star guests, including Kep
Winsleton Hannah Wadingham, might also be invited to join the
celebration more powers in just a moment. Prince George, Princess
(08:10):
Charlotte and Prince Louis have reportedly been given a very
special invitation to see Paddington in London's West End. The
new musical, which opened on November first, is currently running
at the Savoy Theater and is based on Michael Bond's
beloved books and the recent film adaptations voiced by Ben
We're sure. The offer comes shortly after the Prince and
Princess of Wales were photographed meeting Paddington at the Royal
(08:31):
Variety performance on November nineteenth. Producer Sonya Friedman also told
the publication she is looking forward to the possibility of
welcoming the Wales children to the theater. We can't wait
for Paddington to meet the children of the Prince and
Princess of Wales because I think they're going to come
to the show, which will be very special, she said.
(08:51):
The German state visit reaches its final day today, with
President Frank Walter Steinmeyer and his wife Elkie bunden Bender
carrying out his series of concluding engagements before their departure.
The day begins in Coventry, where the President will lay
a reeth in the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral.
The site, destroyed during the Second World War, has long
stood as a symbol of reconciliation between Britain and Germany.
(09:14):
The Duke of Kantbell company the President for the ceremony,
which is followed by a tour of the modern cathedral
and a short prayer service. Emphasizing the Ministry's work on
peace and unity. From Coventry, the President and First Lady
will continue to Oxford, where they will visit Seamen's Health
in the years to learn more about Anglo German collaboration
and medical technology and research. They will then travel to
(09:37):
the University of Oxford, meeting academics and students involved in
joint scientific programs between the two nations. These final engagements
bring the three day visit to a close, a visit
that has included ceremony and welcomes at Windsor diplomatic meetings
in London, and a renewed emphasis on the deep ties
between the United Kingdom and Germany. President Steinmeier and Miss
Bundenbender are scheduled to return to Germany later today, and
(10:02):
there you have it. Don't forget our special year end
event counting down the top twenty five stories of twenty
twenty five begins with our next episode this afternoon and
continues for the next three days. For the afternoon episodes,
hope you enjoy them. I'm Mike Francis, but thanks to
John McDermot, this is Palace Intrigue and continues
Calarogu Shark Media, Hello and Welcome to Palace Intrigue host
Mark Francis. Catherine, the Princess of Wales will use tonight's
Together at Christmas Carol Service to pay a very personal
tribute to a recently departed member of the Royal Family,
(00:23):
while once again turning Westminster Abbey into the centerpiece of
a feel good, celebrity studded Christmas broadcast about love and connection.
This year's event carries the theme of love in all
its forms, whether it's in families, relationships or across communities,
and will be filmed for broadcast on Christmas Even Christmas Day,
(00:43):
Around one thousand, six hundred guests, many nominated by Lord
Lieutenants around the United Kingdom and by charities linked to
the Royal family, will attend the multi faith service, which
celebrates people who have quietly strengthened their communities over the
past year. Central to the night will be a musical
tribute to Catherine, the Duchess of Kent, who died in
(01:04):
September at the age of ninety two. Catherine, who was
married to Queen Elizabeth's cousin, the Duke of Kent, was
a former working royal but also a lifelong music lover
who famously stepped back from frontline royal duties to teach
under the name Missus Kent at a school in Hull.
To honor her memory, guests arriving at Westminster Abbey will
be welcomed by eight young brass players aged between thirteen
(01:28):
and eighteen from Future Talent, the music charity she co
founded in two thousand and four to support gifted children
from low income backgrounds. The performance gives those young musicians
a rare platform on a royal occasion and reflects the
Duchess's belief that music should be accessible to all. Inside
the abbey, the program will blend the traditional and the modern,
(01:49):
as Kensington Pallace has said, combining traditional and modern elements
to unite people of different faiths and none. The ceremony
will see the world renowned Westminster Abbey Choir perform some
of the country's best loved carols, accompanied by musical performances
and reading by invited guests, and the ceremony will also
highlight the stories of some of the Assembly's exceptional guests
(02:11):
who are leading by example and helping to create a
more caring society. Familiar names on the Order of service
include Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, she would tell EDG four
and Bestille's Dan Smith, alongside performers such as Griff, Katie Mellure,
Fisherman's Friends and young dancers from Platinum Performing Arts in
North London. The Prince of Wales will deliver one of
(02:32):
the readings, and members of the wider royal family, including
in all likelihood Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis,
are expected to join the congregation. Keith Wingslet will attend
in her new capacity as an ambassador for the King's Foundation,
King Charles the Third's charity. Announcing the role earlier this year,
she said, I am delighted to become an ambassador the
(02:53):
King's Foundation and the charity's thirty fifth anniversary year. One
of my passions is exploring ways that we can protect
and promote the next victual world, something I have in
common with His Majesty. I am therefore thrilled to put
this passion into practice by working with the King's Foundation.
I look forward to supporting the charity's life changing work
to build sustainable communities and transform lives into the future.
(03:15):
The overarching message of the night will be shaped by
the Princess of Wales's own reflections on love, vulnerability, and community,
particularly poignant in the year she announced she is in
remission from cancer. This year's Pallas statement explains this year
the evening will bring people together to celebrate love in
all its forms, whether it's love within families, through friendships
(03:36):
between communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.
In a world that can often seem fragmented and disconnected,
love is the force that reconnects us all across generations, communities, cultures,
and beliefs. As we approach the Christmas.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Season, we summon the power of solidarity and that of compassion, kindness,
and joy. It echoes themes Kate struck in her twenty
twenty four address when she said, it is when we
stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily
life that we find a space to live our lives
with an open heart, with love, kindness, and forgiveness so
much of what the Christmas Spirit is all about. Adding
(04:11):
the Christmas Story encourages us to consider the experiences and
feelings of others. Reflecting on her own and King Child's
health challenges, She also told viewers the love that we
show our souls and the love we show others, love
that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding,
love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.
Concluding in His love, which is the greatest gift we
(04:32):
can receive, not just a Christmas but every day of
our lives. The abbey itself will be transformed to match
those themes. Outside horticulturists Jamie Butterworth, we will create a
woodland style entrance using British trees sourced from plants in Weybridge,
interwoven with fruits, berries and Christmas trees. Wreaths inside the
abbey will be provided by the Royal Horticultural Society and
(04:55):
Forests Simon Lystt made in partnership with school children and
RHS ambassadors including Dame Mary Berry and Aerit Anderson, with
contributions from comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell. Guests
will be invited to add their own named paper loops
to a connection tree, a communal paper chain installation underscoring
(05:15):
the idea of togetherness. Afterwards, attendees can sheer mincepires donated
by Fortenham and Mason and hot chocolate provided by the
Royal Foundation. Alongside the Westminster Abbey service, some fifteen community
carol events around the United Kingdom in venues ranging from
an arts center in Newbury to a community farm in
Gwent and even the Coronation Street visitor Center. While I
(05:36):
go the same focus on the power of love and togetherness,
Katy's urging the nation to come together with generosity of heart,
understanding and hope as she prepares to host her concert.
In a personal message to the sixteen hundred guests attending
Friday's event, the Princess highlighted the importance of checking in
on loved ones at the time when life can sometimes
(05:57):
feel fragmented or uncertain. The Princess re directed on the
quieter meaning of the season, noting that Christmas speaks of
love taking form in the simplest, most human ways, including
small acts of kindness that contribute to the beautiful tapestry
of life to which we all belong. She encouraged people
to slow down amid the pace of December, and in
their words or choices, and even the ways we look
(06:17):
out for one another ripple outward touching lives. We may
never see this Carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness,
a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service,
and to honor the visible and invisible bonds that unite
us all. She thanked the volunteers present for their time,
care and compassion, which she said makes an extraordinary difference
to the lives of others. The Princess concluded by wishing
(06:40):
attendees a very happy Christmas and hope the season would
bring moments of peace and clarity. Does Kate have a
secret after party and if so, who is invited? Actress
Sophie Winkelmann let slip a charming detail about Princess Catherine's
annual carol concert. Speaking at last year's Fire of Saint
James Christmas charity event, mentioned that she has attended Catherine's
(07:02):
Christmas Carol Service three times. When asked which part of
the evening she enjoys the most, she answered beautiful music
and beautiful readings and or d'euvs. That last bit raised
a few questions. Viewers who watch the broadcast each year
will know there are no trays of canopies circulating inside
Westminster Abbey during the service itself, so where exactly are
these or d'uvs appearing. Her comment strongly hints at what
(07:26):
Royal watchers have long suspected. Once the formal Carol service ends,
the Royals likely head to the more private reception where
they can relax together of a festive nibbles think geez
crackers and other seasonal treats away from the cameras. It
would certainly be logical, with so many members of the
family gathered smartly dressed and already in one place for
Catherine's big Christmas event, extending the night with the quieter
(07:47):
family gathering fills almost inevitable. The only mystery now is
whether that presumed post concert reception is strictly for family,
or whether some of this year's star guests, including Kep
Winsleton Hannah Wadingham, might also be invited to join the
celebration more powers in just a moment. Prince George, Princess
(08:10):
Charlotte and Prince Louis have reportedly been given a very
special invitation to see Paddington in London's West End. The
new musical, which opened on November first, is currently running
at the Savoy Theater and is based on Michael Bond's
beloved books and the recent film adaptations voiced by Ben
We're sure. The offer comes shortly after the Prince and
Princess of Wales were photographed meeting Paddington at the Royal
(08:31):
Variety performance on November nineteenth. Producer Sonya Friedman also told
the publication she is looking forward to the possibility of
welcoming the Wales children to the theater. We can't wait
for Paddington to meet the children of the Prince and
Princess of Wales because I think they're going to come
to the show, which will be very special, she said.
(08:51):
The German state visit reaches its final day today, with
President Frank Walter Steinmeyer and his wife Elkie bunden Bender
carrying out his series of concluding engagements before their departure.
The day begins in Coventry, where the President will lay
a reeth in the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral.
The site, destroyed during the Second World War, has long
stood as a symbol of reconciliation between Britain and Germany.
(09:14):
The Duke of Kantbell company the President for the ceremony,
which is followed by a tour of the modern cathedral
and a short prayer service. Emphasizing the Ministry's work on
peace and unity. From Coventry, the President and First Lady
will continue to Oxford, where they will visit Seamen's Health
in the years to learn more about Anglo German collaboration
and medical technology and research. They will then travel to
(09:37):
the University of Oxford, meeting academics and students involved in
joint scientific programs between the two nations. These final engagements
bring the three day visit to a close, a visit
that has included ceremony and welcomes at Windsor diplomatic meetings
in London, and a renewed emphasis on the deep ties
between the United Kingdom and Germany. President Steinmeier and Miss
Bundenbender are scheduled to return to Germany later today, and
(10:02):
there you have it. Don't forget our special year end
event counting down the top twenty five stories of twenty
twenty five begins with our next episode this afternoon and
continues for the next three days. For the afternoon episodes,
hope you enjoy them. I'm Mike Francis, but thanks to
John McDermot, this is Palace Intrigue and continues
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