On Christmas Eve, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla (opens in new tab) took to Instagram to release a special rendition of the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which is more often known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," which is attributed to the poet Clement Clarke Moore.
A plethora of celebrity guests, including Tom Hardy (opens in new tab), appear alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall in the festive video, to deliver the special Christmas message (opens in new tab), and to promote the Actors' Benevolent Fund, which has become more essential than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The caption explained, "‘Twas the night before Christmas…✨ Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas Eve. ... The poem was recorded in support of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund, of which The Prince of Wales (opens in new tab) has been Patron for over 20 years. The charity supports actors and stage managers who are unable to work due to illness, injury or old age and those experiencing financial hardship especially during the Coronavirus pandemic."
"This year has been particularly difficult for those working in the industry," the caption continued, "and in April the charity launched an Emergency Grant Fund to support those in their profession who are experiencing financial hardship owing to the pandemic." The Instagram post also highlighted the official account of the Actors' Benevolent Fund (opens in new tab).
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While many people are sure to tune in to see heartthrob Tom Hardy (opens in new tab) recite the festive poem, a whole host of thespians joined in the performance including 007 himself Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Penelope Keith, and Ncuti Gatwa. Consider this an early Christmas gift to you from the royals.
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Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
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