Princess Kate is the perfect host as she's joined by royal family at Christmas carol service - best photos

Kate waved at the crowds who had gathered outside the Abbey to catch a glimpse of her. 

The Princess was aptly dressed in red for the occasion, with many other guests sporting the hue.

She teamed her McQueen coat with an Emilia Wickstead tartan skirt and a pair of long black suede heeled boots.

The Prince of Wales proudly supported his wife, alongside their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

George and Louis matched their father, Prince William, in navy suits and red ties, while Charlotte sported a burgundy coat and navy tights. 

After arriving ahead of her family to greet guests and performers, Kate returned outside as the family placed their notes on the Kindness Tree, which featured dedications personally written from guests to people who have shown love, empathy and kindness.

Louis' handwritten note was dedicated to Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, with the young royal writing: "Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me."

Zara Tindall and Princess Beatrice got the memo as they matched in plum ensembles. 

Beatrice, who is pregnant with her second child, attended with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son, Wolfie, eight.

The Princess of Wales's parents have attended the service every year since its inaugural event. Carole was a vision in a white coat, while Michael looked smart in a dark suit and red tie.

The Princess of Wales's sister wowed in a sparkly tweed dress from Karen Millen with sheer tights and burgundy heels. 

Kate's brother and his wife made quite the stylish entrance with the entrepreneur sporting a double-breasted coat with a white shirt and burgundy tie. 

Meanwhile, French financial analyst Alizee looked effortlessly chic in a midnight blue velvet suit with an oversized pussy-bow blouse, all from Sezane.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was among the royals to turn out for the service, stepping out in a white boucle jacket and a purple paisley print dress.

Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor brought their daughters, Maud and Isabella, along to support the Princess of Wales. 

Last week, Sophie hinted that there's a family gathering after the event.

Speaking at the Fayre of St James's Christmas charity event, the Sanditon star shared what she was most looking forward to at Kate's carol service

"Beautiful music and beautiful readings. And Hors d'Oeuvres," she said.

Lady Gabriella Kingston made her first public appearance since June, attending the service with her cousin, Lady Helen Taylor.

Princess Michael of Kent also got the memo as she wore red for the service. 

Turning to Gregory Porter, known as much for his popular songs as his jazz performances, Kate thanked him for agreeing to take part.

She told the singer: "Thank you, I'm conscious it's such a busy time for everybody."

And matching with Paloma Faith in red, Kate added: "It's a celebration, everybody’s wearing red."

Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic cycling champion, who is living with stage four prostate cancer, was among the guests at the event with his wife, Sarra Kemp. 

Sir Chris was among the high-profile names to give a reading at the service.

The TV star looked festive in a red and green tartan coat. 

The Strictly star looked lovely in an all-red outfit.

The Ted Lasso star brought the glamour in a floral dress and burgundy coat. 

The jazz singer was among the performers at the service.