In a touching display of royal unity and remembrance, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, hosted her fifth annual “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, 2025, featuring a poignant tribute to the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The Duchess, who passed away peacefully at age 92 in September 2025, was honored through performances by young musicians from Future Talent, the charity she co-founded in 2004 to nurture musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds.

The service, themed around “love in all its forms,” celebrated connections within families, communities, and beyond, resonating deeply following a challenging year for the royal family. Guests arriving at the historic Abbey were greeted by a brass ensemble of talented young performers aged 13 to 18, supported by Future Talent. This heartfelt gesture highlighted the Duchess’s lifelong passion for music—she was a trained pianist who once taught music anonymously at a primary school and held honorary roles in musical organizations.

Katharine, married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent for 64 years, was a beloved figure known for her compassion and dedication to charitable causes. She converted to Catholicism in 1994 and stepped back from public duties in the early 2000s, preferring a quieter life while continuing her philanthropic work. Her death marked the end of an era, as she had been the oldest living member of the extended royal family after Queen Elizabeth II.

The event drew a warm gathering of royals, including Prince William and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—as well as the Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara and Mike Tindall, Lady Helen Taylor (the Duchess’s daughter), and other family members. Celebrities like Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, and Chiwetel Ejiofor contributed readings, adding star power to the evening of carols, reflections, and joy.

Catherine, radiant in festive attire, has made “Together at Christmas” a cherished tradition since 2021, initially launched to thank community heroes during the pandemic. This year’s service emphasized empathy and togetherness, with wreaths designed in collaboration with schoolchildren and nature-inspired decor reflecting Catherine’s personal affinity for the outdoors as a source of solace during her own health journey.

The tribute underscored shared royal interests in music and compassion between the Wales and Kent families. As guests received letters from Catherine highlighting love’s quiet power in uncertain times, the inclusion of Future Talent performers ensured the Duchess’s legacy of uplifting young talent endured. Broadcast on Christmas Eve, the service reminded viewers of enduring bonds and the spirit of giving, making it a standout moment in the 2025 royal calendar. In honoring Katharine, Catherine not only paid respects to a much-missed family member but also amplified causes close to her heart, blending tradition with meaningful modernity.