JOY TO THE WORLD

The Princess of Wales brings festive warmth to royals and stars at carol service - with special surprises for her children too

- EMILY NASH & TRACY SCHAVERIEN

It was the perfect way to prepare for what will surely be their most meaningful family Christmas ever.

And as the Princess of Wales led her loved ones into her fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service after returning to public duties following her treatment for cancer, she could not have looked happier to be back at Westminster Abbey, admitting she'd had no idea what 2024 had in store.

"I didn't know this time last year it was going to be the year I've just had," Kate told singer Paloma Faith.

Looking festive in a red coat by her wedding dress designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, with a black bow, black suede Ralph Lauren boots and pearl earrings, Kate arrived with the Prince of Wales and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis to cheers from the crowds waiting outside.

George and Louis wore matching smart suits with red ties, while Charlotte was a minime of her mother in a red coat with black tights and shiny black shoes, her hair in neat braids.

On their way in, the trio stopped to add decorations to a Kindness Tree, with guests encouraged to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their lives.

TOUCHING DEDICATIONS

Each of the young royals had written a personal message on a piece of red card, which they tied to the tree’s branches. Louis’s sweet handwritten message to his grandparents – likely to be Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton – read: “Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me.”

Making their way inside the historic London venue, William and Kate introduced their children to members of the clergy, the youngsters politely shaking hands.