In a heartwarming display of affection, Princess Catherine, alongside her father-in-law, King Charles, shared a tender kiss during the annual Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023.
This gesture symbolized the close bond between Catherine and King Charles, who ascended to the throne earlier this year following the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
As Catherine takes on more royal duties and responsibilities as the future Queen Consort, the King has become a source of support and guidance for her.
Their shared commitment to environmental causes and conservation has further strengthened their connection.
While Catherine attended the Carol service with grace and poise, Meghan Markle was noticeably absent.
This contrast did not escape the attention of fans and critics of the Sussexes.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments mocking Meghan for yet again being snubbed by the Queen.
Many recalled the infamous incident from 2018 when Meghan attempted to kiss the Queen on the cheek during a Commonwealth Day service, only to be denied the privilege as the monarch turned away, offering her hand instead.
Fans praised Catherine for her respectful and dutiful nature, which has earned her the love and trust of both the King and the nation.
On the other hand, Meghan faced criticism for being perceived as disrespectful and self-centered.
Accusations of betrayal towards the royal family and the country were leveled against her, with claims of narcissism, deceitfulness, manipulation, and gold-digging.
Some even suggested that Meghan had influenced Prince Harry to distance himself from his friends, relatives, and heritage, while adopting her radical views on social justice and politics.
Dressed in a stunning winter white ensemble, Catherine attended the Carol service with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who made their debut at the event this year.
The Wales family warmly greeted the clergy and performers such as Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings, and James Bay before the service commenced.
Prince William participated in a reading during the service, alongside Michael Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent.
Additionally, a specially commissioned poem by Joseph Qualio, the Children’s Laureate, was delivered by Leonie Elliott.
Catherine received support from her parents, Carol and Michael Middleton, as well as her sister, Pippa Middleton, and her husband, James Matthews.
Numerous members of the royal family were also in attendance, including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, among others.
The Carol service was connected to Catherine’s Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on supporting children during their early years.
A spokesperson from Catherine’s Kensington Palace office explained the significance of the early years theme, stating, “Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of a newborn baby.
It is a reminder of how unique this time is and how precious those early years are, as we start to form our very first relationships, bond with those closest to us, and explore the world in which we live.
It also signifies hope.”
Unfortunately, any hopes of reconciliation between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the family were dashed with the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September 2021.
Although the couple traveled to the UK to attend the Queen’s funeral, they were met with coldness and hostility from both the royals and the public.
They did not stay for the King’s coronation, nor did they visit him or Catherine at Buckingham Palace.