The Princess of Wales has reportedly extended “personal invitations” to her cousins-in-law, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, for this year’s Christmas carol service. The move is seen as an attempt to keep the Royal Family united during the holiday season amid the recent scandal involving their father, Prince Andrew.
Princess Catherine is set to host her annual Christmas Carol Concert for the fifth consecutive year, with this year’s theme celebrating the “power of love.”
The event, titled “Together At Christmas”, is spearheaded by Princess Catherine and is scheduled to take place at Westminster Abbey on December 5. Over the years, Catherine’s festive gathering has become a significant event in the Royal calendar.
Celebrities such as actors Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are slated to give readings at the event. The Westminster Abbey choir will perform carols, accompanied by other musical performances.
Members of the Royal Family traditionally show their support for the future Queen at this annual event. However, this year, Catherine has reportedly made a point to invite Beatrice and Eugenie specifically, following the controversy surrounding their father, who has been stripped of his titles and honors due to his association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, reports the Express.
Royal commentator Neil Sean shared with Fox News: “Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie received personal invitations for this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ from Princess Catherine’s office.
“This is Catherine’s project, and she has the final say – very similar to the way Prince William operates Earthshot. Above all, yes, the Royal Family wants to be seen as united amid what has been a very difficult year.”
However, he cautioned, “This puts the sisters in a very difficult dilemma. If they don’t attend, it appears they’re snubbing a prestigious invitation. If they do attend, they know there could be a media circus with them at the centre of attention.”
Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.
Beatrice was present at Catherine’s Christmas Carol Concert last year.
In the coming weeks, the princess’s event will celebrate the ‘power of love,’ a theme chosen because, in a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, the service aims to unite people in celebrating love in all its forms, according to organizers.
This year, the future Queen will also pay tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, who died on September 4 at the age of 92, as young performers from Future Talent, a charity co-founded by Katharine, will perform music outside the Abbey.