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The Prince and Princess of Wales's three children have joined their parents for Catherine's annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey this evening. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, arrived at the Gothic Abbey with their father, as mum Catherine had arrived at the venue earlier to greet volunteers and performers.

The theme of this year's service is love, compassion and connection, which will be highlighted by special readings by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe and rising actor Joe Locke. The Prince of Wales will also give a reading.

Kensington Palace does not announce the attendance of the Wales children in advance of the service, but it has become expected for the three youngsters to attend. The family of five will have a front row seat to all of the acts tonight, which is a perfect blend of traditional carols, music and readings.

Catherine has invited 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms this evening.

The service will recognise individuals from across the UK who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.

She has written a letter to the congregation, praising community stalwarts for making an "extraordinary difference to the lives of others".

Catherine writes: "Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.

"We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection. Even with all the rushing around and familiar traditions, there is a quieter sense of what it calls out in us.

"There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters. Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another - they ripple outward, touching lives we may never see."