Zara Tindall dons a chic burgundy trouser-suit as she joins Princess Beatrice and family at Kate Middleton’s Westminster Abbey carol concert

Zara Tindall donned thoroughly festive attire as she arrived at Kate Middleton’s carol service this afternoon. 

Princess Anne’s daughter, 43, arrived without her husband Mike, or three children, as she showed her support for the Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey today. 

The royal smiled at well-wishers as she arrived at the Christmas Carol concert that has become a festive staple thanks to the Princess of Wales in recent years. 

Zara joined Princess Beatrice, who is pregnant with her second child, and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi and his young son Wolfie. 

The equestrian looked on sparkling form in a flared velour trouser-suit with co-ordinated heels.  

Kate has faced the most difficult year of her life after she underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital and doctors told her that they had found evidence of cancer.  

Zara and her husband Mike Tindall stepped up to comfort the Wales family during this difficult period and were snapped chatting to Kate’s mother Carole and William at Ascot in the summer.

She warmly embraced her the future king, who travelled to the event alone as his wife continued to prioritise her health. 

Kate is beginning to return to public duties after completed her chemotherapy treatment, and will hold her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at historic Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.

The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.

Kate put on an elegant display in a red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with matching heeled boots. 

She is set to be joined just before the start of the event by her three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – as well as her husband, the Prince of Wales, who will read the first Lesson.

The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout, will also be present, as will other members of the Royal Family. The King and Queen, however, are not amongst the guests.

Her father-in-law has, however, donated Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will later be donated to the local community.

The 1,600-strong congregation largely consists of members of the public recommended by Lord Lieutenants across the country for their community and charity work as a ‘thank you’ from the princess.

 Also among them are members of the Southport community affected by this summer’s tragic stabbing, including children who survived the attack and the families of the three little girls who died.

Travelling from Yorkshire is the family of inspirational Liz Hatton, who was invited to Windsor by the prince and princess in October to help complete a photography ‘bucket list’.

She sadly died last week of a rare form of cancer at the age of just 17, with William and Kate paying a moving public tribute to her strength and dignity.

RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, aged 100, from Crewe, is also present from the Royal British Legion. He landed in Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

Bernard, who still speaks to schools and colleges about his experiences during World War Two, said: ‘It is truly special to be part of The Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. 

‘I am very grateful to be invited, and I am honoured to light a candle on behalf of all the amazing volunteers at the Royal British Legion who give up their time to support veterans like me.

‘I am always keen for the younger generation to know exactly what went on during the War and to appreciate the sacrifice that our lads made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

‘Being able to continue to tell my story at 100 is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do that.’

Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year.

But she has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences.

Supported by her Royal Foundation, Kate has been determined to ‘celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled and comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive’.

Appropriately the front cover of the Order of Service features a stunning illustration by artist and author, Charlie Macksey, creator of The Boy, The Fox and The Mole of a group of people walking towards the abbey, arms entwined, in a blanket of snow.

It reads: ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’

Although the idea was Macksey’s, there it little doubt that it is also a message from the princess to her nearest and dearest.

The artist said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.

‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’

This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

In the letter, Her Royal Highness also reflects on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences. 

The future queen’s concert, which will air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve for the fourth year in a row, is supported by The Royal Foundation and today attended by royals and celebrities, including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and Adam Peaty.

The service will, Kensington Palace said, ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’. ‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.    

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan. 

Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School. 

During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant. 

Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan. 

Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service. 

This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ will be situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.

‘In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme, airing at on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. 

The broadcast will feature three special films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need. 

Alongside the service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.

Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities whilst also including elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including the special letter from The Princess of Wales. 

Zara – a regular regular attendee of the Sandringham celebrations – recently shared a rare insight into how the royals celebrate Christmas and their sentimental gifting tradition.

According to a source, Zara confirmed the long suspected tradition of a black tie dinner on Christmas eve, where King Charles and Queen Camilla usually host their extended family at Sandringham in Norfolk.

And apparently it’s not just the younger family members who are treated to a stocking, with even the most senior royals waking up to a festive goodie bag on the big day.

According to the insider, she said: ‘We give presents to each other on Christmas Eve. As adults, we still have stockings on Christmas Day,’ reported Hello!.

When quizzed over whether even her late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, would have stockings on Christmas day, Zara replied, ‘Of course’.