Princess Charlotte’s face lit up at a Christmas service at the mention of a popular children’s book character.
The young royal, 7, was thrilled that Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville would read an extract from Paddington’s Christmas Post at the Together at Christmas concert.
Charlotte enthusiastically sang Christmas carols like “Away in a Manger” alongside her older brother, 9-year-old Prince George, at the service, which took place earlier this month but aired on Christmas Eve.
The concert, held at Westminster Abbey, was organized by her mother, Kate Middleton, and was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September aged 96.
During the introduction to the service, Middleton explained that he aims to “continue Her Majesty’s tradition of thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others. Her Majesty leaves us with an incredible legacy that has deeply inspired many of us.”
Middleton was amused by her daughter’s lively reaction to Paddington Bear.
Middleton was amused by her daughter’s lively reaction to Paddington Bear.
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“This year’s Christmas service is dedicated to her and to all those who are sadly no longer with us,” she added.
Other cast members included Spice Girls member Mel C, Kristin Scott Thomas and pianist Alexis Ffrench.
Princess Charlotte sang along with the Christmas carols. Getty Images
Perhaps the jam-loving bear character was approaching the young king when the Queen memorably acted alongside him in a skit that kicked off the star-studded Platinum Party at the Palace tribute concert outside Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
Hugh Bonneville read an extract from a Christmas Carol by Paddington Bear. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
In it, the monarch shared high tea with the Peruvian bear, who downed tea straight from the spout and managed to wreak havoc by squirting cream all over a poker-faced palace servant.
The Queen appeared alongside Paddington Bear in a memorable sketch. Buckingham Palace/YouTube
The Queen appeared alongside Paddington Bear in a memorable sketch. ABOUT Portal
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After her death, hundreds of Paddington bears were left outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the Queen.
Princess Charlotte also joined her family on Christmas Day, including younger brother Prince Louis, 4, for the service at St Mary Magdalene’s Church.
It was Louis’ first time attending the annual royal tradition, which includes going to church and greeting well-wishers outside.