Kate Middleton announces return of her annual Christmas carol service
An annual royal Christmas tradition will return again this year led by Kate, the Priciness of Wales.
Kate will host her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 11, Kensington Palace announced Friday.
This year's service will "highlight the importance of love, kindness and caring for one another, and recognise the many ways people create supportive environments within their families, communities and everyday lives," the palace said in a statement.
Past services have featured surprise performances from not only Kate but also her daughter, Princess Charlotte, who performed on the piano alongside her mom last year.
In addition to Charlotte, Kate has been joined at the service in past years by family members including her husband, Prince William; the couple's two sons, Princes George and Louis; Kate's parents and siblings; and members of Britain's royal family.
Special guest stars at past services have included actors Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet, and Eugene Levy, and music stars including Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding.
Kate has hosted the service, "Royal Carols: Together at Christmas," for the past five years as a way to honor volunteers across the United Kingdom and bring people together during the holiday season.
The service is broadcast on TV in the U.K. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In addition to the 1,600 people expected to attend the service at Westminster Abbey, thousands more will take part this year by attending one of the 15 "Together at Christmas" community carol services taking place across the U.K., according to the palace.
