For the first time in its 900-year history, girls will sing in the choir at St Paul’s Cathedral during the Christmas Day service in central London.
The renowned choir, which dates back to the 12th century, welcomed its first female choristers earlier this year. Among them are Lila, 11, and Lois, 10, who joined after passing probation and undergoing specialist training.
The Right Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, hailed the milestone, saying: “It is a great joy to welcome Lila and Lois into the cathedral community. I hope they inspire other young girls as we celebrate this historic moment for St Paul’s.”
The decision to admit girls to the choir was announced in 2022, following the example of other cathedrals such as Salisbury and York Minster. This change builds on previous steps toward inclusivity, including the appointment of Carris Jones as the choir’s first female full-time chorister in 2017.
The girls will now play a permanent and equal role in the choir, singing at services and national events under the iconic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.