Queen Elizabeth II remembered during Royal carol service
Saturday, 24th December 2022
Tributes were paid to HM Queen Elizabeth II during the second annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 15th December.
The service was hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales and attended by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, HRH The Prince of Wales, and other Members of the Royal Family.
During the service, The Prince of Wales read an extract from Queen Elizabeth II’s Christmas Message 2012:
‘At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child. From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.’
The service also recognised the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK, and highlighted the remarkable impact that coming together to support others can have for us all.
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022 - highlights
About the service
The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who welcomed the congregation to the Abbey.
There was music from Alfie Boe OBE and Melanie C, who sang Silent night; Samantha Barks, who sang Walking in the air; and Craig David who sang Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench played his own arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter. St Mary’s Ukrainian Choir led the singing of Away in a manger.
Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams OBE read Luke 2:1-7 and Actress Dame Kristen Scott Thomas DBE read Malcolm Guite’s poem, Refugee. Actor Hugh Bonneville read an extract from Paddington’s Christmas Post.
The Dean read John 1: 1-5, 14 and also gave a reflection.
The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist, and before the service by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.
Watch the Royal Carols service
Watch Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service on demand.
Watch other services
You can watch the following services live or on demand for 7 days after the service has finished. You can watch the services from anywhere in the world.
Service of Lessons and Carols
A traditional service including the singing of Christmas carols. There will also be readings as well as anthems sung by the Abbey Choir.
Find out how to watch the Service of Lessons and Carols.
Sung Eucharist of Christmas night
Sung Eucharist of Christmas night includes the singing of Christmas Carols, music from the Abbey Choir, a sermon and Holy Communion.
