Royals post cards for children facing tough Christmas

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have posted Christmas cards to children who may struggle this festive season, ahead of their mother's annual carol concert.

Its theme this year is "children and families" - reflecting the Princess of Wales's early years campaign work.

Her three children were photographed putting cards into a special post box outside Westminster Abbey.

All the cards will be distributed to children's charities after the service.

In January the Princess of Wales launched her Shaping Us campaign, which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child's life.

The carol concert, taking place on Friday evening, is an opportunity to "say a heartfelt thank-you to all those supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years", the Princess said.

Among the 1,500 attendees are midwives and nursery teachers, young carers, and those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult.

Musical treats include carols from the Westminster Abbey choir, and a special duet by Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.

The Prince of Wales, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent will give readings, and a specially commissioned poem by Joseph Coelho, the Children's Laureate, will be read by Leonie Elliott.

The abbey has been adorned with eco-friendly festive decorations for the occasion.

The service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm.