Prince Harry attends Christmas carol service at Westminster Cathedral with prayers for his marriage

Prince Harry attended the London Fire Brigade's annual carol service at Westminster Cathedral last night, during which his forthcoming marriage was mentioned in prayers. 

The newly engaged fifth-in-line to the throne left his fiancee Meghan Markle at home in Kensington Palace but, according to the Daily Mail, the Rev Mia Hilborn, the London Fire Brigade chaplain, said of both of them during the service: 'We pray for the Royal Family and for the newly engaged Harry and Meghan and the joy they have brought to the country. We pray that you will bless their upcoming union and that you will bless all couples.'

Prince Harry at last night's carol service for the London Fire Brigade at Westminster Cathedral. Twitter

Carols sung at the service in the Cathedral, the home of English and Welsh Catholicism, included God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, Once in Royal David's City, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and Away In a Manger.

Harry, who announced a week ago that he and the American actress are to be wed in May, was congratulated by members of the fire brigade.

Dany Cotton, the London Fire Brigade Commissioner who greeted the prince and sat next to him throughout the service, said afterwards: 'It just gave extra added bonus for us to have him here having just had such an amazing week.'

She told the Daily Mail: 'I took the opportunity to have a quiet word with him about it, and just the fact that he talked about his proposal being over cooking a roast chicken dinner was just very lovely.

An external view of Westminster Cathedral, in central London. Photo: Westminster Cathedral

'It was really nice because he's obviously very happy and beaming and so full of love which is just great.'

She added: 'He was saying for him being here and being able to say thank you to the emergency services, especially the fire brigade, was very important to him.

'We were talking about the work of the emergency services, the armed forces, and how wearing uniform being in public service was so important.'

Tom George, Director of Operations at London Fire Brigade said: 'We've had such a really busy challenging year and it's just lovely that he's come along tonight to enjoy the festive season with us and think back on the challenges that we've been through...

'I did congratulate him [on his engagement].

The popular TV cook Mary Berry was also a guest at the service, and read an extract from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Prince Harry will marry Miss Markle at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May next year.

News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.