Chapter Thirteen: Together At Christmas

                                    

                                          
15th of December 2022 - Westminster Abbey
Climbing out of the car, Adeline waved to the crowds with a smile as they arrived outside of Westminster Abbey for the carol concert; she waited for a moment as Daphne and Simon joined her before they made their way to the Abbey.
Catherine was there to greet them, a smile on her face as she hugged her brother and sister-in-law and her niece; she was so pleased that the family had come together in light of what was going on. 
The attacks hadn't been pleasant and the best thing that the family could do right now was show a united front in all of this, that no matter what Harry and Meghan said and did that they were here for one another. 
Adeline, Simon and Daphne moved to take their seats, Daphne sharing an excited wave with her cousins before they were seated on different rows. 
The Royal Family was dressed in reds, whites and blues, there was no denying the united front that was being showcased that day; especially in the face of what had been said in the documentary. 
This year's carol service was dedicated to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the values Her Majesty demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others. 
These principles are shared and personified by the inspirational guests who were invited to the Abbey in recognition of their tireless work to help and care for those around them. 
Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service saw the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation's most beloved carols, including 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', which was selected through a public poll. 
There were also musical performances by guests including Craig David, Alexis Ffrench and Samantha Barks, and a special duet from Alfie Boe and Melanie C. 
The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme narrated by Catherine Zeta Jones, airing on ITV1 on Christmas Eve. 
The broadcast will feature additional content including an introduction from The Princess of Wales, films highlighting individuals who go above and beyond to support others, and tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 
Guest nominations were drawn from Lieutenancies across the UK, alongside community networks and charities associated with Members of the Royal Family, including some of the patronages of Her Late Majesty. 
The congregation also consisted of those who may be more vulnerable or isolated in our communities – including people who might find the winter period particularly challenging. 
Running in tandem with the service at the Abbey, a family of 'Together at Christmas' community carol services have taken place around the UK across December to celebrate local heroes. 
Simon wasn't even surprised to see the Middletons and his own family included with the exception of Susan were in attendance. 
Susan had kept a low profile since her engagement being called off had been announced, she guessed that she deserved it for how she had acted in the last few years and had taken everything in her stride. 
Therapy had been slow, the meeting between Lucy and Susan had been a private one with a lot discussed between the two sisters and had ended in tears on both sides. 
Daphne like her mother was dressed in a red dress, coat and hat with black tights and shoes on; the seven-year-old held onto her programme as she listened to the music and the readings that were made.