The late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September, was honored throughout Saturday’s special episode of Royal Carols: Together at Christmas on ITV.
The Princess of Wales set the tone for the special service by opening it with an emotional tribute to the monarch that moved the audience.
As she spoke with special guests who had been honored for going above and beyond for their communities later in the show, she once more thought of the Queen.
Photo: PA
She mentioned the Queen’s love of the holiday season while sharing a photo of the monarch embracing children during a Christmas celebration.
As she reflected on the fact that this year will be the first Christmas without the Queen, she also unveiled a picture of the Queen when she was younger, performing in a Christmas play.
Others soon followed with heartfelt tributes, including her grandson William, Prince of Wales, who read a passage from the Queen’s previous Christmas speech in one of her beloved televised addresses to the country.
Photo: PA
Throughout, there were images of the Queen, one of which was projected onto a piano.
In her opening eulogy for the late monarch, Catherine said: “This one will be our first Christmas without Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.”
“Her Majesty loved Christmas because it brought people together and served as a reminder of the value of friendship, family, and faith as well as the need to practice empathy and compassion.
“We’ve extended invitations to the service to hundreds of motivating people this year. Those who demonstrate the strength of community and connection, enabling us to uphold Her Majesty’s tradition of honoring and expressing gratitude to those who go above and beyond to help others.
Photo: ITV Royal Carols
“Her Majesty leaves us with a truly amazing legacy that has profoundly inspired many of us.”
Catherine dedicated the service to the Queen and to “all those who are sadly no longer with us”.
She also added: “So, even though this year’s Christmas will feel very different, we can still reflect on the memories and customs we shared.
“Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special.”
Many viewers who commented on the service on Twitter acknowledged that they were “in bits” and “sobbing” the entire time.
A viewer stated: “Everyone came together in love and compassion to celebrate Christmas and remember the Queen during this lovely carol service. The Queen would have been pleased with Catherine for putting this together.”
Such a lovely lady #KateMiddleton tonight’s #royalcarols #togetheratChristmas was wonderful and lovely tributes to our late Queen, tweeted another viewer.
“Just watched #RoyalCarols there were a few tears, a lovely service with memories of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth entwined throughout,” said a third viewer.
Photo: PA
Another comment read: “Honestly this is making me a little emotional the tribute to the Queen and then St Mary’s choir had me in bits,” and a fifth read: “Sat here blubbing now.” The comments kept coming.
Sixth viewer’s remarks: “It’s lovely to watch the tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, #royalcarols. Consider HRH the Princess of Wales’ performance to be outstanding—classic and timeless yet touching.”
