Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice joined hundreds of guests at the stunning St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge on Thursday (December 7) for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity’s much-loved annual London Carol Concert.
Princess Beatrice, accompanied by her husband Edoardo, read My Christmas Wish for You, at the magical candlelit evening, which raises vital funds for Rainbow Trust, which supports families caring for a seriously ill child.
The celebrity-studded event was hosted by journalist and TV presenter Mary Nightingale, one of the UK’s most well-respected newsreaders. Other special guest readers included radio presenter Jane Garvey, actress Alex Kingston and broadcaster, John Inverdale. Soprano Margaret Keys sang an array of festive carols including Oh Holy Night.
Guests enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and heard a range of wonderful festive readings and performances from the Elstree School Chapel Choir who sang arrangements of classical Christmas songs and led the congregational singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
The carol concert was fronted by a family supported by Rainbow Trust whose 13-year-old son William has undergone two kidney transplants. William’s younger sister Ellie read Chubby Little Snowman.
William’s mum Nancy said: “We had such a lovely evening and although Ellie had been a little nervous before, she thoroughly enjoyed reading. Rainbow Trust has made such a difference to us and Family Support Worker Janet has helped us cope better as a family.”
Rainbow Trust has nine care teams of Family Support Workers across England including London and the South East, who provide emotional and practical support for families caring for a seriously ill child at home, at hospital and in the community.
Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said: “Rainbow Trust’s annual carol concert is one of our most admired and popular events and this year was no exception. St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge provided the perfect setting and it was wonderful to be able to host HRH Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo along with our celebrity patrons and supporters and of course the wonderful Elstree School Chapel Choir.
“Ellie read beautifully and it is always particularly special hearing from the families Rainbow Trust supports.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone for attending this event. Christmas can often be one of the hardest times of the year for the families we support. Everybody got into the festive spirit while fundraising for a fantastic cause, meaning Rainbow Trust Family Support Workers can help those families have the best Christmas possible.”
If you would like to support Rainbow Trust’s Christmas Appeal, please visit rainbowtrust.org.uk/christmas
Image by Jon Buttle-Smith
