Princess Kate Is "As Beautiful in Real Life as She Is in Photos," Carol Concert Guest Says
This was the princess' big event.


Just hours after Harry & Meghan Volume II premiered on Netflix, Princess Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey to host her second annual royal Christmas Carol Concert.
While the rest of us won't be able to experience this reportedly magical evening until it airs on British TV on Christmas Eve, Marie Claire spoke to one lucky attendee, Bettina Moltrecht, who was invited to the royal celebration on behalf of the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
"The whole room had gone silent and I didn’t know why, but then I saw Kate and she is as beautiful in real life as she is on photos," Moltrecht says.
"It felt unreal to see them all so close. It was nice also that she came early to take time to speak to people."
The Princess of Wales arrived at the Abbey sometime in the afternoon, flanked by her husband Prince William, and their two oldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The King and Queen consort were also in attendance, as were Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, Zara Tindall, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Kate stunned in an elegant wine-red coat dress by Eponine, paired with matching pointy suede pumps, and a matching snakeskin-effect clutch. Princess Charlotte adorably twinned with her royal mom.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Meanwhile, Prince George looked like dad William's mini-me in an adorable navy suit. William himself allowed himself a festive nod to his wife and daughter's outfits with a wine-red tie.
As for the actual service, Moltrecht loved it. "It was a wonderful compilation of songs and artists," she explains. "It was my first Christmas Carol Service in the U.K. so it was very impressive and special to have that in Westminster Abbey."
She also was excited to spot Spice Girl Melanie C and singer Craig David in the Abbey, both of whom were there as musical guests.
Bring on Christmas Eve, TBH!

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Let's Go, PPG, Fans! A New Peacock Series Starring the 'Love Island USA' Season 6 Cast Is Coming Soon
We're already clearing our summer schedules for 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa.'
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Why Princess Diana Didn't Move to America
The late royal's friend opened up about the princess's American dream.
By Kristin Contino
-
Anne Hathaway Doubles Down on Luxury's Favorite Neutral
She painted herself in the timeless hue.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Princess Diana "Felt She Would Be Freer" Living in America, But Didn't Make the Move for One Reason
The late royal's friend opened up about the princess's American dream.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Beatrice's Husband Pays a Rare Tribute to These Royal Family Members on Instagram
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared some behind-the-scenes snaps from the F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain.
By Kristin Contino
-
One of Princess Diana's Most Iconic Dresses Is Going Up for Auction—And Its Expected Price Will Shock You
Julien's Auctions tells 'Marie Claire' that one famous dress could potentially break records.
By Kristin Contino
-
Sézane, Zara and Reformation Take the Lead in Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s F1 Grand Prix Fashion
The York sisters revved up their spring style in Bahrain.
By Kristin Contino
-
Queen Camilla Dazzles in a $10 Million Brooch With Ties to Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana
The Queen looked regal in blue during a state visit to Italy with King Charles.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana Lost Her Temper in a Relatable Mom Moment Caught on Camera: "Shush!"
The late princess got stern with one of her kids during a resurfaced interview.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana's Former Butler Says The King's First Marriage "Will Define His Lifetime" Vs. His Relationship With Camilla
"Isn’t it strange to think Charles has been married to Camilla longer than he was married to Diana?"
By Kristin Contino