Princess Kate dazzled as she joined her husband Prince William and their children for the Together at Christmas carol concert.
The service, which aired on the UK’s ITV, was dedicated to the Queen as the Royal family spent their first festive season without the late monarch.
Princess Kate opened the service by paying tribute to the Queen’s “incredible legacy” and thanked her for “bringing us together” in a touching video message, The Sun reports.
She was joined by her children Prince George and Princess Charlotte — with young George looking a lot like his father William.
An incredibly cute moment took place when Princess Charlotte “stole the show”.
The young royal’s face lit up as she heard the reference to Paddington Bear. The loveable bear joined forced with the Queen to launch her televised Jubilee concert earlier this year. The sketch was the last time many people in the UK saw the Queen up close before she died and the bear become symbolic as the nation mourned her death.
The Princess of Wales, who spearheaded the service with support from The Royal Foundation, said she was “thrilled” to return to the abbey for a second year.
“This Christmas will be our first without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” she said.
“Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.”
“This year, we’ve invited hundreds of inspiring individuals to the service.
“Those who showcase the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition of recognising and 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.”
Kate dedicated the service to the Queen and to “all those who are sadly no longer with us”.
“So, while Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared,” she said.
“Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special.”
As the Royals – including King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla – took their seats in Westminster Abbey, the service began.
Celebs including Dame Judi Dench, Ashley Banjo and Martin Kemp shared their Christmas traditions.
During the service, Princess Kate shared a never before seen picture of a young Queen Elizabeth.
She sat with three members of the public who went “above and beyond” to help their communities this year.
Midwife Carys Hammond, 39, volunteer Akbar Khan, 50, and Ex-Veteran Lionel Digby, 87, all shared some special pictures from their Christmases.
Kate then went on to reveal a black and white image of a young Queen Elizabeth participating in a Christmas performance.
“It really resonated with me seeing her majesty here doing the production on Christmas Day during the second World War, which I thought was really special,” she said.
“She looks really happy doesn’t she?” Carys said.
“I can remember doing this sort of thing as a little girl too,” Kate continued.
“When I saw this photograph, it’s wonderful now, I see my children’s love for doing this sort of thing, putting on little shows for us.”
The princess joked she gets invited to join in and they end up dancing around the table.
Her three other guests also shared meaningful images as they reflected on the year that’s been.
Others who appeared on-screen at tonight’s carol service included the Westminster Abbey choir, singer Craig David and Alfie Boe and Melanie C.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas delivered readings.
Viewers at home were touched when Deborah James’ family were seen lighting a candle.
The inspirational Sun columnist tragically died from bowel cancer aged just 40.
A Christmas tree in the abbey was decorated with small Paddington Bears, a nod to the late Queen’s famous sketch.
This story was originally posted on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.