The Duchess of Cambridge appeared wearing a pair of earrings leant to her by the monarch as she attended the Together At Christmas community carol service at Westminster Abbey today. Royal watchers say it is a sure sign that Kate has the Queen's trust and respect.

       Kate dazzles in a red Catherine Walker coat for the event which signals the start of the Royal Family's Christmas festivities.

       The event celebrates the work of charity workers, teachers and volunteers during the pandemic.

       Prince William and Kate, 39, were joined by her parents Carole and Michael Middleton as well as her brother James and sister Pippa.

       The Duke and Duchess tweeted a photograph of a rehearsal for the concert earlier today, with the message: "We will be reflecting on the extraordinary challenges we have faced in recent times and celebrating the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across the nation as communities pulled together to help each other".

       ITV will broadcast the event on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm.

       The coat dress is thought to be worth about ￡3,000, with Kate adding a touch of glamour to the outfit with the Queen's sapphire and diamond fringe earrings.

       She was also carrying a ￡640 red suede bag by Miu Miu for the occasion.

       The service includes performances by stars including Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis.

       It was developed with BBC Studios Events Productions but will be broadcast on as part of a special programme entitled Royal Carols: Together At Christmas on ITV.

       Prince Willam and Kate are reported to have dropped the BBC as broadcaster for their Christmas special after the two-part documentary The Princes and the Press which was criticised by the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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       A host of royals joined the Duke and Duchess, including Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi as well as Zara and Mike Tindall.

       Princess Eugenie wore a smart emerald green cape coat with knee-high black leather boots.

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       The Duchess recently borrowed the Queen's Bentley to attend Remembrance Sunday with Prince William which according to a royal expert signified big plans for her future in the Firm.

       Royal expert Daniela Elser claimed the usage of Her Majesty’s personal vehicle was a signal of her approval.

       She also pointed out that such a vehicle would be at William’s disposal when he takes to the throne.

       Ms Elser added that the couple did not appear in their usual family Audi or even in the electric Jaguar they occasionally use but in what appeared to be one of the Queen’s very own, especially-built State Bentleys.

       Speaking on the royal podcast, God Save the Queen, commentator Antonio Caprarica said the Duchess may be the Firm's next saviour.

       She explained: "I said before, the dynasty has been saved by the women and the next saviour will be Kate."