Princess Anne misses Christmas Carol Service as royal tour keep her busy

Princess Anne was noticeably absent from Westminster Abbey, missing the annual Christmas carol service hosted by Kate Middleton.

Renowned for her tireless work ethic, Anne’s calendar rarely allows for downtime. 

In fact, she just played a prominent role during the German state visit and attended a formal banquet at the Guildhall. 

On Thursday, she hosted an investiture ceremony at St. James’s Palace. 

Her busy schedule also recently saw her skip the National Service of Remembrance in November, undertaking instead a brief but significant royal tour of Australia to mark the centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, an organization she has served as Colonel-in-Chief since 1977.

This year’s carol service, carried added poignancy as Kate returned to royal duties after completing treatment for her undisclosed cancer diagnosis. 

More than 1,600 guests attended, including community volunteers recognized for their contributions and celebrated actors such as Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Hannah Waddingham, who lent their voices to readings throughout the service.

Kensington Palace emphasized that the event is about more than music and ceremony. 

The Princess of Wales expressed her desire to honor those “acting with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society,” a message that resonated in every corner of the Abbey.