This year will feature poignant readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection, with the Prince of Wales, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé and Joe Locke billed to speak at the festive soiree. There will also be performances from the likes of Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk music group, Fisherman's Friends.
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham had been scheduled to perform, but just as guests started to arrive, it was confirmed that the actress had been forced to withdraw; her replacement is singer Zak Abel. HELLO! understands that Hannah dropped out after her voice became compromised due to her busy work schedule; she will still be attending the service as a guest.
The concert will also pay a special tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, who passed away at the age of 92 on 4 September 2025. During her life, the late royal was involved in music education, and in 2004, she co-founded Future Talent to help musically gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with music by eight young performers aged between 13 and 18 who have benefitted from the charity's work. They will be performing as a brass ensemble specially brought together for the event.
HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash, is at tonight's event, and speaking of the atmosphere, she explained: "What touched me the most was seeing others there whose stories touched William and Kate and countless more of us over the course of the past year. They included Rhian Mannings, whose story of losing her child to illness and her husband to suicide left the Prince tearful, and Steven Frank, the Holocaust survivor who I watched Kate greet with an enormous hug when they were reunited back in January.
WATCH: Princess Kate joined by children for annual carol concert
Emily concluded: "Over five years now the Princess has pulled off a wonderful festive treat for her guests and somehow this one felt more personal than ever."
Scroll down to see the best photos from the event...
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were some of the final guests to arrive, and the children colour-coordinated their outfits with their father.
Before entering the Abbey, the royals heads to the 'Connection Tree', a fixture that invited guests to add their names to paper chain running along the tree. The purpose was represent to the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.
Members of the Middleton family were also in attendance to support Kate. Carole Middleton was seen smiling as she and her husband, Michael, were joined by their son, James, and his wife, Alizee Thevenet.
Lord Frederick Windsor was joined by his wife, Sophie Winkleman, and their daughters, Isabella and Maud, for the event. One of their daughters was a little shy, and was seen covering her face with her hands as they entered.
Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy showed his support
Hollywood stars
Another high-profile star at the event was Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy, who earlier this year teamed up with the Prince of Wales for his Apple TV+ show.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are raising their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis from their home on the Windsor Home Park estate
Prince William and Princess Kate enjoy watching this hit BBC competition series with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis