Also in attendance were royals including Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Middleton’s parents Carole and Michael, and her sister Pippa and brother James. The audience also included caregivers, nonprofit workers, and volunteers from across the spectrum of human kindness, as well as World War II veterans and the families of those affected by the Southport knife attacks.
Those hoping to see the King or Queen were disappointed Friday, as neither were present. This isn’t the first year the pair have missed the event, as both RSVPed with regrets in 2023, citing previous engagements. This year, Buckingham Palace did not provide a reason for their absence.
Charles was there in spirit, however, as he provided the fir trees used to decorate the venue. The gift was acknowledged in the order of service every guest received Friday, which read, “With thanks to His Majesty The King for donating Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate Westminster Abbey. After the Service, these trees will be donated to the local community.”
