Senior Royals To Put On United Front For Queen Elizabeth Christmas Tribute

Planning Christmas festivities at home can be challenging, but imagine you're part of the British royal family. Not just family politics — but state politics are at work. Busy schedules would be an understatement, as royal family members consistently travel overseas. For example, see how William and Catherine might have used their U.S. trip to repair the royal image. And choosing the right dress for your Christmas card to send the right message to the world — and not just your neighbors — is, we can imagine, rather stressful. A royal expert already predicts "the major problem" King Charles will have this Christmas, as he curates a controversial guest list for Christmas dinner. But despite all of the little (and not so little) family dramas, tis the season for reflection and togetherness at Buckingham Palace. And this year, the senior royals, including King Charles III and the Queen consort, will put on a united front to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II in a Christmas tribute.

Per a press release, the royals will attend a Christmas carol service called "Together at Christmas" on December 15 at Westminster Abbey. Princess Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, put on a show of the same name last year. 

According to the press release, the Princess of Wales set the tribute in motion alongside the Royal Foundation. The event will be part of a special program broadcast on Christmas Eve called "Royal Carols: Together at Christmas," which will feature an introduction from the Princess of Wales herself and will be narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones. The program will also show clips "highlighting individuals who go above and beyond to support others." A broadcast that aired last year featured the last Christmas address from the late Queen Elizabeth II to the public. 

The carol service, performed by the Westminster Abbey choir, will feature "traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none," as well as additional musical performances and readings. The public even selected one of the Christmas carols to be sung, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," through a public poll. The service will include further performances and readings — plus a speech from William, Prince of Wales — and will importantly honor the late Queen Elizabeth II. "This year's carol service is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the values her Majesty demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others," the press release said. 

As the Sussexes gear up for the release of their two-part docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," which both the public and palace have long anticipated, they are not expected to be in attendance at any royal festivities across the pond.