Kate Middleton's Together at Christmas event gets major update before carol service

 New details about the annual Christmas carol concert hosted by the Princess of Wales have been unveiled, just days before the big event.

Kate will preside over the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, now in its fifth year, on Friday (December 5). The event aims to celebrate love in all its forms - within families, friendships, communities, or acts of kindness between strangers. The lineup for the event includes singer-songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish folk group Fisherman's Friends, and rising star Griff.

For the first time, an illustrator will be present to capture the atmosphere inside the Abbey through sketches. Joining the princess will be her husband Prince William, who will give a reading. Royal enthusiasts are hoping their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will make an appearance alongside other members of the Royal family, reports the Mirror. Performers also include actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from pop rock band Bastille.

The service will honor individuals from across the UK who have dedicated their time to help others, led initiatives that bring people together, or offered a helping hand to those around them. During the event, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comedian Babatunde Aleshe, and up-and-coming actor Joe Locke will deliver readings centered around love, compassion, and connection, accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.

Guests will witness candles being lit by individuals William and Kate have encountered in recent years, as well as others participating in the service. The ceremony will also highlight the stories of some invitees who are contributing to a more caring and connected society.

Upon arrival, they'll be welcomed by a festive display crafted by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth that emphasizes the significance of nature in our lives. The Royal Horticultural Society plans to donate wreaths created by their ambassadors, including Dame Mary Berry, and schoolchildren. Attendees will have the opportunity to add their names to a 'connection tree,' symbolizing the power of unity and the importance of connecting with each other.

The late Duchess of Kent's charity, Future Talent, which she co-founded to assist musically talented children from low-income backgrounds, will also be featured during the service. A brass ensemble of eight teenagers will perform as guests arrive.

Additionally, 15 community carol services, taking place at locations such as the Coronation Street Visitor Center, an arts center in Newbury, and a community farm in Gwent, are scheduled to occur throughout the UK, all embracing the same theme of love and togetherness.

The community services, hosted by lord-lieutenants and backed by The Royal Foundation, will be held in Armagh, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Dumfries, Dyfed, East Riding, Gwent, Greater Manchester, Isle of Wight, Lanarkshire, Nottinghamshire, Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.