A brave Lancashire boy who has raised thousands for Derian House Hospice has been praised by the Royal Family after joining them at a carol service.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public for the annual Westminster Abbey event hosted by Kate, Princess of Wales, which has quickly become a firm fixture in the festive royal calendar.

Oscar Burrow, who embarked on an epic hiking mission this year for Derian House, was among those in attendance and spoke to Kate.

This year the service reflected the princess’ early years Shaping Us campaign launched in January, which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child’s life.

It was billed as a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK and among the 1,500 guests were midwives and nursery teachers.

Kate crouched down to chat to seven-year-old Oscar, from Lancaster, who when aged six climbed 12 mountains raising more than £40,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.

His mother, Kimberley Burrow, said afterwards: “She said she’d heard about what he’s done and he’s doing a fantastic job, and hopes what he’s doing will inspire other children to do amazing things.”

Lancashire Telegraph: The royal children, George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, aged five, were introduced to the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, outside the Abbey’s great west door when their first arrived with their father William.

Kate had travelled ahead of her family to meet and thank the celebrities taking part and she stopped to chat to a number of the young people invited to the event.

As they walked into the Abbey the royal children paused for a moment to post Christmas cards, in a special postbox, containing messages for children who might be struggling this Christmas, something open to all youngsters attending.

Among the highlights of the service was songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier playing Last Christmas on John Lennon’s piano, which was owned by the late George Michael and loaned by his estate.

Oscar winning star Jim Broadbent read an extract from Letters From Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, and actor Micheal Ward recounted the moment shepherds were told by an angel about the birth of Christ and they visited Mary and Joseph, in a reading from Luke’s Gospel.

Arriving guests were treated to carols and Christmas songs performed by the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers including one aged just six.

Kate thanked the celebrities for giving up their time when she met them ahead of the concert.

Chatting to Broadbent she said: “Thank you for your time because I know the lead up to Christmas can be busy for people.”

Kate walked around the Abbey before the concert started speaking to young people who have done inspiring activities.

The Abbey echoed with the voices of its choir and the congregation singing a selection of carols including Silent Night, Holy Night and Joy To The World, as well as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

The historic building featured Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park donated by the King, which will be given to local communities after the service.

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing at 7.45pm on ITV1 on Christmas Eve, featuring additional material including an introduction by Kate and films emphasising the importance of early childhood.

It will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.