Princess Charlotte steals viewers’ hearts with reaction to Paddington Bear at Christmas carols
Princess Charlotte steals viewers’ hearts with ‘priceless’ reaction at Christmas carol service as her face lights up during Paddington Bear tribute to the late Queen
- Princess Charlotte, 7, was excited when Paddington was mentioned at the carols
- Royal Carols: Together at Christmas was filmed at Westminster Abbey last week
- Princess Charlotte and Prince George sat in the front row as they sang along
Princess Charlotte stole viewers’ hearts with her ‘priceless’ reaction at the Christmas carol service as her face lit up during the Paddington Bear tribute to the late Queen.
A Christmas Eve Carol Service dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II and hosted by the Princess of Wales has been broadcast on ITV after being recorded at Westminster Abbey on December 15.
Actor Hugh Bonneville from the Paddington films read an extract from one of Michael Bond’s books about the beloved bear at Royal Carols: Together at Christmas.
Charlotte beamed as she heard the reference to the marmalade-loving bear, who filmed an iconic sketch with her grandmother the Queen for her platinum jubilee in June.
Charlotte beamed as she heard the reference to the marmalade-loving bear, who filmed an iconic sketch with her grandmother the Queen for her platinum jubilee in June
The seven-year-old was also filmed singing along heartily to Away in a Manger next to her older brother Prince George, nine, as the siblings sat in the front row
Kate, Princess of Wales, who was leading the service, looked dotingly down at her daughter as she became excited while hearing about the storybook character.
Hugh read the ‘Christmas Letter’ to the congregation from Paddington’s Christmas Post as Charlotte gestured happily towards her mother.
‘Dear Aunt Lucy,’ Hugh read as music played in the background, ‘Today it was Christmas Day, and something wonderful happened!
‘You’ll never believe it but Mr Claus gave me a ginormous jar of homemade marmalade. I couldn’t think how he guessed it was my favourite kind.’
Paddington became a totem for the Queen in the days following her death because one of her last public appearances was in the delightful sketch she filmed with him for her Platinum Jubilee.
Mourners left so many stuffed toys, as well as the character’s beloved marmalade sandwiches, amid the floral tributes that Royal Parks bosses had to urge them to stop.
The event was attended by King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The seven year old was also filmed singing along heartily to Away in a Manger next to her older brother Prince George, nine, as the siblings sat in the front row.
Kate, Princess of Wales, who was leading the service, looked dotingly down at her daughter as she became excited while hearing about the storybook character
Actor Hugh Bonneville from the Paddington films read an extract from one of Michael Bond’s books about the beloved bear at Royal Carols: Together at Christmas
‘Dear Aunt Lucy,’ Hugh read as music played in the background, ‘Today it was Christmas Day, and something wonderful happened!’
Hugh read the ‘Christmas Letter’ to the congregation from Paddington’s Christmas Post as Charlotte gestured happily towards her mother
The well-behaved pair were filmed holding candles at the service as they wore matching outfits with their parents and entered the Abbey holding their hands.
Princess Charlotte was dressed in a smart burgundy coat and furred collar with her hair clipped back, as well as mary-jane shoes
The young princess, seven, was the spitting image of her mother Kate, who also wore the stylish burgundy for the occasion.
The Wales family were perfectly coordinated, as George also appeared as a mini William, wearing a smart suit with a navy and white tie.
This is the first time they have attended the service like this and arrived holding hands with their parents.
Their younger brother, Prince Louis, four, did not attend the service this year.
Speaking at the start of the programme, Kate said: ‘This Christmas will be our first without her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
‘Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart as a time that brought us together.’
The event , dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was attended by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort
The Princess of Wales (left) with the Countess of Wessex during the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
She added that the service aims to ‘continue Her Majesty’s tradition of thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others.’
‘Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us.
‘This year’s carol service is dedicated to her and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.’
Among those in attendance were other senior members of the royal family, including Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
Twitter users found the scene at the carol concert between the Princess of Wales and her daughter adorable.
Keeley Ainsworth said: ‘I don’t cope well at Christmas and usually shed a lot of tears but it did warm my heart seeing little Princess Charlotte singing happily away and getting excited over the letter from Paddington Bear.
‘Thank you Charlotte for making me smile.’
Pooja said: ‘Princess Charlotte’s excitement when she heard the words ‘Paddington Bear’ was priceless!’
Janice Merritt found the princess’ reaction to the Paddington Bear reference to be one of the highlights of a ‘lovely’ service.
She tweeted: ‘@RoyalFamily well done the service was lovely. Loved Princess Charlotte’s face light up before Paddington Bear.
‘It was light and not too religious. Great.’
Twitter users found the scene at the carol concert between the Princess of Wales and her daughter adorable