Bexley schoolchildren sing in King's Christmas message

The Bexley Music Primary Choir, made up of 35 children aged six to 11, from four local schools, made up the impressive collective that sang While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks during the King's Christmas Day message on December 25.

Joining the choir at Buckingham Palace were two instrumentalists and a soloist - Grace Xu on harp and Sofia Gkatsou with a flute, accompanied by 15-year-old soloist, Binu Tennakoon.

The ITN-produced performance was part of a traditional broadcast to more than 20 million people across 50 Commonwealth countries.

READ MORE: BBC to release documentary about Charles' first year as King

Julie Stanning, head of Bexley Music, said: "Performing at this prestigious event was the most incredible experience for our children and young people, and something they will never forget.

"We are absolutely honoured to have been invited to take part and so incredibly proud of our wonderful choir, our soloist and our instrumentalists."

The choir is part of Bexley Music, which works under the umbrella of London South East Academies Trust and aims to make music inclusive for people of all ages in the borough.

This was Charles' first Christmas message since officially being crowned King in May 2023 (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA)

The children who were part of the choir cherished the opportunity.

One singer said the best part about the day was "the opportunity to actually go and be in Buckingham Palace because that's a once in a lifetime opportunity and many other children have dreams about it".

Another said: "We knew all of the words, we could sing without even thinking and we were actually in Buckingham Palace which was really exciting."

This marked the first Christmas message given by King Charles since his coronation in May 2023.

To watch the special message, featuring the Bexley Music students, search 'The King's Christmas message' on YouTube.