Queen Elizabeth’s 2021 Christmas speech.Photo: Victoria Jones/getty
Kate Middletonand the royal family are keepingQueen Elizabeth II’s legacy alive.
The Princess of Wales, 40, hosted her second annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, with members of the royal family includingKing Charles III,Queen Camilla,Prince William,Prince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottein attendance. As the royals prepare to celebrate the first holiday season since the death of Queen Elizabeth in September, the event paid special tribute to the history-making monarch.
“This carol service is dedicated to Her MajestyQueen ElizabethII, and to all those who are sadly no longer with us. Her Late Majesty’s strongly held values of duty, compassion and faith have guided the creation of this service,” a message inside the program forRoyal Carols: Together at Christmasread.
As the service began, a film played highlighting how the late Queen was at the heart of Christmas Day for so many people. Her annual address, which aired each Christmas at 3 p.m., was a time-honored tradition which now passes toKing Charles IIIas sovereign.
Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Kate Middleton.Getty
In another honor,Prince Williamread part of his late grandmother’sChristmas broadcastfrom 2012.
Royal family.Getty
A few hours before the Christmas concert commenced, the Prince and Princess of Wales’Twitteraccount posted festive photos of Paddington Bear ornaments in a tree.
“Getting ready to welcome our#TogetherAtChristmasguests, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond in their communities and paying tribute to Her Late Majesty The Queen,” the message read, showing an exterior shot of Westminster Abbey and ornaments of the beloved bear in the decorated evergreen inside the Abbey.
Queen Elizabeth and Paddington Bear.Buckingham Palace/Studio Canal/BBC Studios/Heyday Films via Getty
Kate hosted herfirst Christmas concertat Westminster Abbey last year, dedicated to the work of individuals and organizations across the U.K. who supported their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. The royal also gave her first public performance on the piano when she accompanied Scottish singer Tom Walker on the song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.”
Getty
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
For the first Christmas following Queen Elizabeth’s death, the royals will return to a beloved holiday tradition after being separated for Christmas over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are set to spend Christmas atSandringham, the lateQueen Elizabeth’s beloved country estate in Norfolk.
During her life, the Queen would take the train from London to Norfolk in December to spend Christmas at the country residence. She would usually stay at Sandringham until the anniversary of her father King George VI’s death and her accession to the throne in early February.
source: people.com
