AS THEY PREPARE FOR FAMILY FESTIVITIES THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES TEACH THEIR THREE LITTLE ANGELS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

It was the perfect way to set the mood for a family Christmas together: the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis at Kate's annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.

- EMILY NASH

Clutching lit candles and singing along, the royal children looked enchanted by Together at Christmas's magical atmosphere, which has become a royal festive tradition since the Princess held the first, in 2021, to thank key workers and charities during the pandemic.

FUN IN THE PEWS

Making his first appearance at the event, Louis wearing a pea coat and boots from Trotters - had his sister giggling as he lent over and blew out the flame of her candle.

He was also seen sizing up a giant toy soldier from The Nutcracker as his parents chatted to the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev. Dr David Hoyle.

Showing how they are being taught to think of others, the three royal siblings began their evening out by posting Christmas cards in a special postbox outside the abbey, to send messages for children who might be struggling.

The cards, along with others posted by young churchgoers, were distributed among charities including Evelina London, British Red Cross, Child Bereavement UK and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

STAR-STUDDED SUPPORT

Prince William, Kate and their brood were joined by a host of royal relatives for this year's service, which was based on Kate's Shaping Us campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the first five years of life. Guests in the 1,500-strong congregation included midwives, foster carers, nursery teachers and volunteers at baby banks.