Princess Beatrice was glowing as she arrived at Westminster Abbey with her husband and stepson this evening.
The royal, 36, who revealed she’s expecting her second child in October, walked in with husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, and stepson Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, who goes by ‘Wolfie’, by her side.
Beatrice put on a typically stylish display in a longline crimson coat, floral dress with matching suede heels.
The 36-year-old’s strawberry blonde locks were curled for the occasion, elegantly hanging down her neck. She opted for a glamorous makeup look, complete with a bold red lip.
Meanwhile, property developer Edo, 41, was dapper in a navy suit and pink tie – and Wolfie, eight, looked sweet in a velvet blazer jacket and navy trousers.
Wolfie, who Beatrice refers to as her ‘bonus child’, made his first appearance at a royal engagement at the Princess of Wales’ Westminster Abbey carol concert last year.
The late Queen’s granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.
In October, Buckingham Palace revealed that Beatrice and Edo are expecting their second child together. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple’s three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s son and Beatrice’s stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.
Princess Beatrice arrived at Kate’s Carol Concert alongside husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Wolfie
The expecting princess, 34, put on a dashing display in a longline maroon coat and matching suede heels
Beatrice, who walked in ahead of Zara Tindall, accessorised her outfit with a croc leather crimson bag
The Princess of Wales today arrived at Westminster Abbey to lead her family at her Christmas carol concert after the most difficult year of her life.
This time last year Kate, 42, was focusing on her work and children, and looking forward to the festive season with little inclination of what was to come.
Weeks later she underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy.
Kate and her husband Prince William found their lives turned upside down.
Now, having completed her treatment, the royal has begun a gradual and measured return to public duties – including presiding over her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at historic Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.
The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.
She was later joined by her three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – as well as her husband, the Prince of Wales, who read the first Lesson during the special service.
The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout, were also present, as were other members of the Royal Family. The King and Queen, however, did not attend the concert.
The Princess of Wales appeared radiant in a festive red coat, featuring a statement bow detail as she attended the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
Kate put on an elegant display in her stylish coat, which she teamed with matching heeled boots
The Princess appeared to wear her glamorous black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion
Her father-in-law did, however, donate Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will later be donated to the local community.
The 1,600-strong congregation largely consisted of members of the public recommended by Lord Lieutenants across the country for their community and charity work as a ‘thank you’ from the princess.
Also among them were members of the Southport community affected by this summer’s tragic stabbing, including children who survived the attack and the families of the three little girls who died.
Travelling from Yorkshire was the family of inspirational Liz Hatton, who was invited to Windsor by the prince and princess in October to help complete a photography ‘bucket list’.
RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, aged 100, from Crewe, was also present from the Royal British Legion. He landed in Normandy on D-Day in 1944.
Bernard, who still speaks to schools and colleges about his experiences during World War Two, said: ‘It is truly special to be part of The Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
‘I am very grateful to be invited, and I am honoured to light a candle on behalf of all the amazing volunteers at the Royal British Legion who give up their time to support veterans like me.
The princess (pictured) has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor
The Princess was all smiles as she arrived at the festive event at Westminster Abbey to check over preparations ahead of the concert
The Princess of Wales styled her brunette locks in elegant waves and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup to complete her look
The Princess of Wales arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.
Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year
But the princess (pictured left) has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences
‘I am always keen for the younger generation to know exactly what went on during the War and to appreciate the sacrifice that our lads made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
‘Being able to continue to tell my story at 100 is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do that.’
Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year.
But she has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences.
Supported by her Royal Foundation, Kate has been determined to ‘celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled and comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive’.
Appropriately the front cover of the Order of Service featured a stunning illustration by artist and author, Charlie Macksey, creator of The Boy, The Fox and The Mole of a group of people walking towards the abbey, arms entwined, in a blanket of snow.
It reads: ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’
Although the idea was Macksey’s, there it little doubt that it is also a message from the princess to her nearest and dearest.
The mother-of-three appeared in high spirits as she chatted with singers Paloma Faith and Olivia Dean
The artist said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.
‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’
This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest also received a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.
In the letter, Her Royal Highness also reflected on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences.
The future queen’s concert, which will air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve for the fourth year in a row, is supported by The Royal Foundation and today attended by royals and celebrities, including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and Adam Peaty.
In its note announcing this year’s Christmas carol service, Kensington Palace said it will ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’.
‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.
Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service saw the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan.
A letter from The Princess of Wales for the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service
The cover for the Order of Service has been designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and bears a powerful message of hope – as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year
Workers trim the tree for the Princess of Wales’ carol service
The event takes place at Westminster Abbey
During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy were delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
Alongside this, candles were lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan.
Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey was adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service.
This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ was placed outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.
The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme, airing at on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
The broadcast will feature three special films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
Alongside the service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.
Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities whilst also including elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including the special letter from The Princess of Wales.