A royal doppelgänger has ignited a wave of fan speculation after being spotted at Westminster Abbey during Princess Kate's annual Christmas carol concert earlier this month. The event, a festive highlight of the royal calendar, will air tonight on ITV at 7:30 p.m (GMT).
The mystery man, dressed in a navy ceremonial British Army uniform, bears a striking resemblance to Prince Harry, prompting initial speculation that the Duke of Sussex might have made an unexpected return to the UK. With his ginger hair, beard, and similar build, the figure appeared prominently in the concert trailer released last week. However, royal insiders have confirmed that the individual is not Prince Harry but an uncanny look-alike.
The presence of the doppelgänger has only heightened attention on Prince Harry's absence from the royal family's Christmas festivities. The Duke of Sussex, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle, is spending the holidays at their Montecito home with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Viewers tuning into Together at Christmas will instead witness the royal family rallying around Princess Kate during her fourth annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey. The event was notable for its poignant undertones, as Kate has been recovering from preventative chemotherapy earlier this year. Prince William described 2024 as "probably the hardest year of my life," underscoring the emotional weight of the occasion.
Prince Harry look-alike at Princess Kate's carol service sparks fan frenzyhttps://t.co/ydEOZHcEdY — GB News (@GBNEWS) December 24, 2024
The concert featured musical performances by artists such as Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, and Gregory Porter, as well as heartfelt readings from Prince William, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, and actors Sophie Okonedo CBE and Richard E. Grant. Princess Kate, donning an elegant red Alexander McQueen coat paired with Ralph Lauren boots, opened the service with a message urging viewers to "slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all."
While King Charles and Queen Camilla were unable to attend-Camilla is reportedly recovering from a viral chest infection-the event drew 26 members of the royal family, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The concert emphasized themes of love and empathy, showcasing Kate's hands-on involvement in every aspect of its planning.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, King Charles contributed Christmas trees for the event, while Prince Louis added a personal touch with a handwritten note. Kate arrived early on the day of filming to oversee final preparations, reinforcing her commitment to the success of the celebration.
The concert trailer's release sparked a social media frenzy, with fans sharing images of the Prince Harry look-alike and debating the uncanny resemblance. The man was seen mingling outside Westminster Abbey, his cheerful demeanor reminiscent of the Duke of Sussex during his years as a working royal.
Prince Harry's decision to remain in California during the holidays has drawn attention to the growing distance between him and the rest of the royal family. In his memoir Spare, he fondly recalled the family's Christmas traditions, including gift exchanges at Sandringham. The absence of those shared moments highlights the ongoing rift within the monarchy.
