Viewers have praised a Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales which has been broadcast after being recorded at Westminster Abbey.

The event was attended by King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Audiences loved Kate’s choice of outfit – a festive burgundy dress and heels to match with her daughter Charlotte – which was described as fitting for the ‘beautiful’ service she had organised.

Others wondered where Prince Louis was, who has captured the hearts of many due to his mischievous behaviour during Royal events.

Viewers praised the Princess of Wales (pictured) for hosting the Christmas Eve carol service at Westminster Abbey
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Viewers praised the Princess of Wales (pictured) for hosting the Christmas Eve carol service at Westminster Abbey

Princess Kate stunned in her festive burgundy dress, coat and heels as she walked into Westminster Cathedral
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Princess Kate stunned in her festive burgundy dress, coat and heels as she walked into Westminster Cathedral

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in attendance of the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service, but their brother Prince Louis was missed by viewers
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Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in attendance of the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service, but their brother Prince Louis was missed by viewers

Meanwhile, many viewers seemed overcome with emotion as they watched the moving service, with one saying ‘I’ve been in bits for the past half an hour! A beautiful service.’

The service was supported by the Royal Foundation and highlights included a rendition of Away in a Manger sung by Ukrainian children who have escaped the war in their home country.

The children, who were invited to perform by the Princess of Wales, stole the hearts of viewers as they paid tribute to Ukrainians across the world.

Inna Hryhorovych, headmistress of the children’s school, St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, was one of those Kate paid tribute to as going ‘above and beyond’ in their support of the community.

In the show, Ms Hryhorovych is seen receiving a letter from Kate thanking her for the care she provides to the families and children attending the school.

Ukrainian children sung Away in a Manger in a touching tribute to Ukrainians across the world
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Ukrainian children sung Away in a Manger in a touching tribute to Ukrainians across the world

The children were invited by Princess Kate to perform at the Christmas Carol service
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The children were invited by Princess Kate to perform at the Christmas Carol service

Twitter user Catherine Warr wrote: ‘Seeing the joy of Ukrainian children, separated from family and home, as they were invited to sing at Westminster is going to kickstart my Big Cry.’

Another person wrote that the poignant performance of her dad’s favourite Christmas song ‘has finished me’.

Another favourite moment among viewers was Princess Charlotte’s delighted face when actor Hugh Bonneville read out a Christmas extract from a Paddington Bear story by Michael Bond.

Charlotte excitedly whispered to mother Kate upon realising Bonneville, who starred as Henry Brown in the two Paddington films, was to read about the much-loved children’s bear.

The marmalade-loving bear also filmed an iconic sketch with Charlotte’s grandmother, The Queen, for her platinum jubilee in June.

Viewers loved the moment when Princess Charlotte excitedly whispered to her mother Princess Kate when she heard the extract from Paddington Bear
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Viewers loved the moment when Princess Charlotte excitedly whispered to her mother Princess Kate when she heard the extract from Paddington Bear

Princess Charlotte's delighted face was described as 'priceless' when she heard Hugh Bonneville's extract from Paddington Bear

Princess Charlotte's delighted face was described as 'priceless' when she heard Hugh Bonneville's extract from Paddington Bear

Princess Charlotte’s delighted face was described as ‘priceless’ when she heard Hugh Bonneville’s extract from Paddington Bear

One viewer wrote that the seven-year-old Princess’s reaction was ‘priceless’.

Keeley Ainsworth tweeted: ‘I don’t cope well at Christmas and usually shed a lot of tears but it did warm my heart seeing little Princess Charlotte singing happily away to Away in a Manger and getting excited over the letter from Paddington Bear. Thank you Charlotte for making me smile x’.

Viewers were less impressed by Spice Girl Mel C and Alfie Boe’s rendition of Silent Night, with many wondering why Boe’s usual singing partner Michael Ball was not in attendance.

One said the duo ‘isn’t a good combination’ while another, perhaps harshly, said they had ‘put a dent’ in their Christmas spirit.

Other performers included Craig David, who sang his rendition of Judy Garland’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Alexis French played In the Bleak Midwinter on a grand piano, upon which were images of her late Majesty the Queen.

Spice Girl Melanie C and singer Alfie Boe performed Silent Night at the carol service

Spice Girl Melanie C and singer Alfie Boe performed Silent Night at the carol service

Spice Girl Melanie C (left) and singer Alfie Boe (right) performed Silent Night at the carol service


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Alexis Ffrench’s piano performance of In the Bleak Midwinter left many struggling to hold back the tears, as the classical music was accompanied by images of the Queen projected onto the grand piano in a touching tribute.

While Christmas was at the forefront of the celebratory service, viewers and guests were reminded to reflect on tougher times faced by many this year.

Some viewers complained that adverts during the service ‘spoilt’ the Christmas magic while others felt discussing hardships also brought down the mood.