December 2025 - Princess of Wales' Carol Service
THE FRIENDS ATTEND HRH CATHERINE, PRINCESS OF WALES’ CAROL SERVICE
Westminster Abbey 5th December 2025 5.00pm
‘Out of the blue’ on 20th October, the Friends were emailed by the PA to the Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of the Friends to ask if two of our trustees might be able to join the many others attending the Princess of Wales Carol service at Westminster Abbey in December.
The Trustees were delighted that Shreeraj Laturia who has been a long-standing contributor, fund raiser & benefactor and Senior Sister Tosh Denholm who organises the Cavell Wreath laying ceremony in October each year, agreed to attend on behalf of the Friends. They were sent personal invitations from the Princess.
The Princess wrote to each of the attendees ‘This Carol Service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service and the honour the invisible and visible bonds that unite us all’. She went on ‘The time, care and compassion you give often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation of recognition make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.’
The Order of Service had a green ivy pattern with the quote ‘Love is Enough’ from the poetry of William Morris, the Victorian Designer and social activist
The candle lit Service was a mixture of traditional carols, music and readings. The theme was exemplified by the contributions of schoolchildren, celebrities like Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor & Mary Berry and the Westminster Abbey Choir. Prince William attended with the Royal Children and he read a lesson from the Bible.
It was a moving occasion for all those there. Shree said that for him there were many memorable moments but ‘he would never forget seeing the Princess looking radiant and full of joy’ and the Bishop’s words ‘it takes a village to raise a child ‘.
Tosh said ‘It was a great privilege & a wonderful experience to attend Westminster Abbey. After the Service was over it was a joy to sit quietly with Shree & enjoy the atmosphere while all the people were leaving. Our candle was still alight & we sat & talked & savoured the moment until the flame went out. We didn’t really want to leave’.
We wholeheartedly thank our Patron, Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh for thinking of us and allowing us to be part of this magnificent celebration of ‘togetherness’.
Prof Trevor Beedham. President. 7th December 2025