Rugby League made a noteworthy appearance at this year’s Princess of Wales annual Christmas carol service, set to air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess of Wales serves as the Patron of the Rugby Football League (RFL), and the Westminster Abbey gathering of 1,500 guests included representatives from both the RFL and Hull FC. Earlier in the year, Hull FC hosted a celebration of inclusivity event at their University of Hull-based Centre of Excellence, where the Princess engaged in an impressive debut in Wheelchair Rugby League, guided by England coach Tom Coyd MBE and Hull FC player-coach Mike Swainger. England Wheelchair World Cup winners Wayne Boardman, Lewis King, and Tom Halliwell OBE presented her with England shirts for children George, Louis, and Charlotte. Additionally, the Princess participated in separate sessions with Hull FC’s physical and learning disability teams.
The representation from Hull FC continued at Westminster Abbey, with Chris and Fred Dearlove, along with Carl and Joshua Woods—winners of the club’s Disability Player of the Year in 2023—being present.
The Christmas carol service, titled “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas,” is scheduled for broadcast at 7.45 pm on Sunday. Hosted by the princess herself, the event aligns with Catherine’s ongoing campaign supporting children and young people. The service seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, featuring performances by the renowned Westminster Abbey choir and singers such as Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert, who collaborate on Nat King Cole’s classic, “The Christmas Song.”