ITV to host Duchess of Cambridge’s Christmas carol service after royals BBC row
BBC is at the centre of a row over the recent documentary ‘The Princes and the Press’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ITV has confirmed it will broadcast a Christmas carol service led by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.
The service, which is scheduled to take place at Westminster Abbey, was originally intended to air on the BBC, but the broadcaster has been snubbed due to a row over a documentary about the royals’ relationship with the media.
The recent BBC Two documentary The Princes and the Press prompted criticism from the royal family for focusing on “overblown and unfounded claims”.
According to ITV, the carol service will celebrate the “individuals and organisations across the nation who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic”.
The service, hosted by Kate Middleton and the Royal Foundation, will air on 8 December. It was developed via a partnership with Westminster Abbey and BBC Studios Events Productions.
Guests will include grassroots community organisers, charity workers, volunteers, teachers and emergency responders.
Carols will be performed by the Westminster Abbey choir, and the day will also feature readings and guest musicians.
One of the main points of controversy in The Princes And The Press documentary was the suggestion that courtiers had leaked negative stories about the Duchess of Sussex.
It was also suggested that there was a rivalry between the households.
In a rare joint statement, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace issued a statement to the BBC, which was featured at the end of the documentary.
It read: “A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy.
“However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”
It is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments