ROME – British Ambassador to Italy, Jill Morris, CMG, opened the doors of her stunning residence Villa Wolkonsky for the annual Christmas carol service Tuesday, complete with mince pies and mulled wine.

 Over 500 diplomats, expats and ambassadors sang away to a range of traditional tunes and hymns, accompanied by the grand piano.

 A stall at the entrance to the grand residence was selling teddy bears like hot cakes, sending all proceeds to charity.

 The Ambassador herself opened the carols with a short speech, as elegant as ever in a truly festive violet number, wishing 'a very merry Christmas to all.'

 sw