royal festivities
After an extraordinary year, the Princess of Wales will be throwing herself into some very special celebrations
With its flickering candlelight and rousing music, the Princess of Wales’ carol concert is fast becoming a firm fixture in our Christmas calendar. Whether we’re admiring the royals as they arrive at Westminster Abbey in their finery or blinking back tears as we watch Princess Charlotte sing Away in a Manger, the service is guaranteed to get us into the Christmas spirit.
Kate first masterminded this remarkable celebration two years ago, to honour unsung heroes involved in community and charity work. And it makes a fitting finale to an extraordinary year.
Over the last few months we have witnessed her grow in confidence as she has truly got into her stride as our Queen-in-waiting.
After all, who can forget the Princess’ star turn at Charles and Camilla’s Coronation in May, when she stole our hearts with her unique mix of down-to-earth charm and regal poise? Over the long weekend she greeted the public on numerous walkabouts, stopping to shake hands, hug elated children and even pose for selfies.
“It was the weekend when Kate really looked like a Queen-in-waiting,” royal author Phil Dampier told the Mail Online. “She was one of the stars of the whole event, not just in the Abbey but at all the outside events.” Adding that both she and William proved just how in touch they are with modern Britain, he said, “Kate looked great in her own right but didn’t do anything to overshadow Charles and Camilla, which is how it should be.”
Of course, Kate (41) won over fans not just as a Princess, but also as a mother. It is no secret that she and William are carefully preparing George (ten), Charlotte (eight), and Louis (five), for the responsibilities that come with royal life and, throughout the entire Coronation weekend she impressed us by being a loving parent, while also performing as a public figure. Kate and her children are often touted as the future of the monarchy, and the Coronation put them firmly on the world stage. But the mum-of-three showed no sign she was feeling the pressure, as she calmly kept an eye on little Louis throughout the service, and proudly watched George perform his major role as King Charles’ page of honour. “Kate could be seen keeping a very subtle eye on Louis during the [Coronation] ceremony, and offering him motivational ‘reward’ touches of affection when he did something right,” body language expert Judi James has revealed.
