More than 80 million viewers have tuned into the explosive Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, so when its second explosive instalment dropped on Thursday night at the same time as a pre-scheduled Christmas Carol service hosted by Kate Middleton and attended by Prince William and the wider family, all eyes were on the royals for even the slightest sign of a reaction.
Unsurprisingly, William, Kate and their two eldest children Prince George and Charlotte said absolutely nothing (in response to the documentary, at least), but their appearance in itself was telling.
One of the more explosive claims in Harry & Meghan was when the Duke of Sussex detailed the Sandringham Summit, where he met with the Queen, then-Prince Charles and William to discuss how he would practically step back from the royal family. The US-based Prince said that William became frustrated during the discussion, even going to far as to “scream” at him while Charles said “things that simply weren’t true”.
Taking that into account, it was curious timing to see the Prince of Wales step out in public looking entirely unalarmed at the storm happening on televisions across the world.
The annual Westminster Abbey carol service was attended by 21 members of the wider royal family, including Prince Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort. Interestingly, its inaugural event in 2021 had a turnout of nine royal family members—quite the 12-month increase. Perhaps the royals were simply getting back into the swing of things this year now that Covid restrictions have eased and the event is now in its second year.
Or, maybe, just maybe this surprisingly solid turnout was a subtle, silent show of solidarity from the institution the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have condemned in their new docuseries.
Either way, the service was quite the spectacle to watch unfold.
For the event, Kate wore a burgundy coat, which matched with her seven-year-old daughter Charlotte’s outfit.
The coat in question was designed by Eponine, and was paired with matching red pumps and striking ruby red drop earrings.
William’s cousin Zara Tindall and Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton also wore matching burgundy coats.
The service was filmed inside Westminster Abbey and will air in the UK on Christmas Eve—though this won’t be the last we’ll see of the royals during the festive season.
The family usually gather at Buckingham Palace for a pre-Christmas lunch, and on Christmas morning, they traditionally attend a service together in Norfolk.
While the Queen’s death earlier this year might change some of the formalities, there’s no doubt the royals will be putting out a strong, unified front this season. Especially if another 80 million people tune into Harry & Meghan in its second week on Netflix.
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