Kate Middleton is filming her second Christmas special on December 15 and just dropped a very festive announcement revealing that it’s airing on Christmas Eve:
And in a rare move, the Palace provided a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process, showing just how much set-up goes into a formal Instagram announcement like this. Truly, your ring light could never.
It’s not clear yet where exactly Kate’s announcement was filmed, but judging from the fact that there’s a highly decorated ceiling in the BTS shot, it seems to be an actual room (presumably in the palace) versus a set. We can also see Kate standing on a taped marker on the floor, surrounded by a ton of professional lighting equipment to give her that perfect Christmassy glow. But it also looks like some set pieces were moved around for the final shot, because that pile of presents ended up in a totally different location.
More details on this event and why it’s already causing controversy:
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas is airing on Christmas Eve, but it’s being filmed on December 15 at Westminster Abbey…which happens to be the same day that Volume II of Harry & Meghan airs on Netflix. Unclear if this was intentional, but timing is everything when it comes to the royal family so feel free to read into it.
If you’re into the idea of a royal Christmas extravaganza as a chaser to Volume II of the Sussexes’ doc, here’s the press release:
“This year’s carol service is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the values Her Majesty demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others. These principles are shared and personified by the inspirational guests who have been invited to the Abbey in recognition of their tireless work to help and care for those around them.”
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm, She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.