Royal Carols: Together at Christmas: Who is taking part in ITV show hosted by Princess Kate?

PRINCESS Kate was joined by members of the Royal Family as well as pop royalty for the third year running of her Christmas Carol service.

Here we look at who's taking part in this year's edition.

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attending the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, London
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Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attending the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, LondonCredit: AP

Who is taking part in Royal Carols: Together at Christmas?

Kate was joined by husband Prince William, who gave a bible reading, and their three children George, 10, Charlotte, eight and five-year-old Louis.

This year the service focuses on the vital importance of early childhood and thanking people supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years, as part of the Shaping Us campaign.

In a touching behind the scenes video released by ITV, Kate, dressed in a festive red and white jumper, met 13-year-old Rico and Russell Gray, his coach in Manchester.

Smiling Kate, 41, emerges on screen for a tea party and shakes the youngsters hand saying: "Hi Rico, so nice to meet you.

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She asked: "Seeing and building this relationship with Mr Gray, has it helped you with your own relationship with your friends?"

Rico, in a green jumper emblazoned with a football wearing a Santa hat, replied: "It's brought trust because if you can trust one person then you can trust more people."

Russell Gray told Kate: "If you can reach them self-reliance, responsibility, increase their self-esteem, which football and teamwork does all of that, then you've done a good job.

"You should try and give something back and especially children because that's where it all starts."

Sources say the friendship has helped Rico by building his confidence and allowing him to pursue his passion in football.

Other royals appearing in the TV special include Sophie Wessex, the Duchess of EdinburghPrincess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

But which pop stars will be performing at the royal carol service?

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Credit: PA

Freya Ridings

Singer-songwriter Freya Ridings will be appearing on this year's show.

She will perform Merry Christmas Everyone, made famous by Shakin' Stevens.

The Lost Without You singer will also perform a song alongside the two celebrities directly below...

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Credit: Getty

James Bay

James, who went platinum with his single Hold Back the River (2014), will be part of a trio singing the new Christmas number one.

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Credit: PA

Jacob Collier

Multi-genre singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Jacob will be performing with Freya and James.

In case you haven't already worked it out, they will be singing the Wham! Christmas classic Last Christmas.

As if that's not enough to whet your appetite, they will be performing the song on John Lennon's piano.

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Beverly Knight MBE

British soul singer Beverly will also be taking to the stage.

She will be performing a duet with Adam Lambert.

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Credit: Getty

Adam Lambert

Singer, songwriter and actor Adam will also be appearing.

Lambert and Beverly will be singing The Christmas Song, which was made famous by Nat King Cole.

Who else is taking part in the carol service?

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Credit: Getty

Michael Ward

Jamaican-British actor Michael, who appeared in acclaimed series Top Boy, will be giving a reading.

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Credit: Getty

Emma willis

English broadcaster Emma, who has presented Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, will also be among the celebs giving readings.

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Credit: Rex

Roman Kemp

TV and radio presenter Roman will be speaking about the role his godfather George Michael played in his life.

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Credit: PA

Jim Broadbent

Actor Jim will read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord Of The Rings author JRR Tolkien.

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Leonie Elliot

Call the Midwife star Leonie will read a specially commissioned poem written by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.

When is Royal Carols: Together at Christmas on ITV?

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas airs in the UK on Christmas Eve.

Read more on The Sun

The programme starts at 7:45pm on ITV1 and the channel's streaming service ITVX.

If you miss the show, it will also be available to watch on ITVX on catch-up.