Royal fans divided over King Charles’ festive plan to ‘upstage’ Princess Kate

Royal fans divided over King Charles’ festive plan to ‘upstage’ Princess Kate The King’s Trust has announced a major Christmas event, with fans online noticing a huge similarity to the Princess of Wales’ annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey A debate on social media has erupted after The King’s Trust announced its festive plans for an end-of-year Christmas concert. The charity, which was founded by the monarch in 1976, revealed that it will host an "evening of carols at Westminster Abbey" on December 2 this year. The festive event - organised in partnership with luxury cruise line Cunard and supported by sponsors Elemis, American Airlines, and The White Company - will mark the holiday season with traditional carols, musical performances and readings by celebrities. The event will aim to support young people across the United Kingdom, as it has done for 50 years. While many are excited for the festive event, some royal fans were quick to point out that the concert bears many similarities to Princess Kate ’s annual Together at Christmas concert. Last December, the Princess of Wales hosted her fifth annual festive event at Westminster Abbey, which also saw a host of celebrities perform readings, with performances of traditional carols. The Mirror has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. Many took to social media as an intense debate was sparked over the similarities between the concert details and the venue, with some accusing the King of overshadowing Kate’s annual concert, which has become a staple in the royal calendar. One critic wrote: "The King’s Christmas Carol Concert this year will be held at Westminster Abbey just like the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas concert." Others pointed out the long-standing nature of the princess's event, with another person noting: "Kate has had her own concert that very same week in the very same venue for years now." The naming of the event also drew scrutiny from some online observers, with one person writing: "Um, what the heck? If this event clashes with the Princess of Wales Christmas Carol Concert then very many will be upset with the King.” Despite the criticism, a wave of supporters defended the King’s Trust, clarifying the event's history and the specific reasons for the venue upgrade. Some pointed out that the charity has a long history of hosting fundraising events, particular at Christmas time. "There are multiple Carol concerts in London churches throughout the Christmas period," one person clarified. "Many are fundraisers like this one." Others highlighted that the move to Westminster Abbey is a temporary move to mark a major historic milestone for the organisation. "The King's Trust has held annual carol services for years. Usually it's held in a smaller church but it is at Westminster this year to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Trust. He's not copying or trying to upstage Catherine in any way," a supporter explained. Another commenter provided further context regarding the nature of the Trust's concert, writing: "It’s an annual event since 2018 moving to a larger venue to celebrate its 50th anniversary. It is usually broadcast on radio and no royals typically attend." The Princess of Wales’ annual concert is typically broadcast on TV, with many royals usually in attendance while people who have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, fronting initiatives that bring people in their community together, are also invited. The King’s Trust event, however, is solely a ticketed concert, serving primarily as a fundraising gala to support its ongoing youth programmes. Tickets for the event are now available on the King’s Trust website.