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News | 14 December 2023

Scouts help out at Royal Christmas Carol Service

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Beavers, Cubs and Scouts lent a hand by lighting candles at a special Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday 8 December. The service was hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales, our Joint President.

The Scouts and volunteers, who attended the special Christmas Carol Service, were all from the Slough District. Many of them had previously supported HRH The Princess of Wales when she took part in renovation of a Scout meeting place as part of The Big Help Out in May this year.

They were joined by team members who’ve led our Squirrels programme, both locally and nationally. The service will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the UK.

The service will be broadcast on Christmas Eve (24 December 2023) on ITV.

Three Cubs and a volunteer uniform and neckers are sat next to each other to the left of the image, with one Cub holding his hand out to the meet the hand of HRH Princess of Wales, who's crouching down and facing the Cubs. They're inside Westminster Abbey.

Celebrating those who go above and beyond

Supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who’ve gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year. Linked to Her Royal Highness’ Shaping Us campaign, the service will showcase the hope of new life, as well as why it’s so important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around young people and the adults in their lives.

An inclusive service

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and those of none, the service saw the Westminster Abbey choir perform carols. The choir will perform some of the UK’s most-loved festive carols, alongside musicians Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.

As well as the Westminster Abbey Service, 12 community carol services took place across the UK. They were hosted by Lord-Lieutenants and supported by The Royal Foundation.

Several Scouts also brought along homemade Christmas cards, which alongside other cards, were added to a postbox at the Abbey. These will be sent out to other young people, who may be facing difficulties this year.

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