TV royalty attend ICR’s Carols from Chelsea service to raise money for our cancer research

The choir prepares to sing at the Carols from Chelsea event earlier this week (photo: Michael Wheeler)

Monty Python star Michael Palin, The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby and Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern attended Carols from Chelsea, the highlight of The Institute of Cancer Research, London’s social fundraising calendar.

Held in the dazzling 17th Century Wren Chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the service – a beautiful celebration of Christmas – is once again on track to raise more than £100,000 to support the ICR’s world leading cancer research.

The 14th annual Carols from Chelsea service featured an array of musical talent – including the renowned Royal Hospital Choir, soprano singer Sophie Bevan and BBC Radio Two’s Young Choristers of the Year.

Chelsea pensioner Norman Mitchell with Monty Python star Michael Palin (photo: Michael Wheeler)

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret in the Netflix drama The Crown, Downton’s Countess of Grantham Elizabeth McGovern and Monty Python veteran Michael Palin gave readings during the service.

After the service the readers and around 400 guests were treated to a fabulous reception in the Royal Hospital’s Great Hall with champagne and canapés.

Raising vital funds

Fundraising on the evening included ‘Lucky envelopes’ containing a range of prizes such as spa days, theatre tickets and meals at London restaurants. Prizes were kindly donated by individuals and organisations to raise money for our research.

This year's event was held in the beautiful chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London and hosted 400 guests. (photo: Michael Wheeler)

Diana MacKenzie-Charrington, chair of the Carols from Chelsea committee, said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved again in raising funds for one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes. Thanks to everyone involved in creating this stunning event and to all who attended for helping to make this such a memorable and enjoyable evening.”

Charlotte Orrell-Jones, Head of Events at the ICR, said: “Carols from Chelsea is always a special event in the run-up to Christmas – and I would like to thank the committee for their hard work in creating another successful evening, and all the guests who attended the beautiful service. The money we raised is so important in helping our researchers make the discoveries that defeat cancer.”