Join the Princess of Wales, Kate, as she hosts her annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, celebrating love and empathy in the community.
Kate’s Carol Service: A Celebration of Love and Empathy
The Princess of Wales, Kate, recently hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which featured a host of stars and was dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness, and empathy to others in their communities.
A Heartfelt Gesture from Lady Gabriella Windsor
Kate invited Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, to join her team organizing the event. Lady Gabriella’s husband, financier Thomas Kingston, had tragically passed away earlier this year due to a head injury. Kate’s gesture to the grieving Lady Gabriella was a testament to the theme of the event.
A Special Contribution from Lady Gabriella
Lady Gabriella played an advisory role with the organizing team around the music performances that featured during the service. She was “very touched and grateful” to be asked to contribute to the concert, and felt honored to do so. Kate is understood to have been incredibly grateful for her contribution.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The carol service featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper who performed with the Soul Sanctuary Choir, and new singing talent Olivia Dean. The event also included readings given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, and Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.
A Broadcast of Love and Empathy
The service will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. The programme will feature three films about the stories of people and organizations who have inspired, counselled, and comforted others in their times of need.
Kate’s Message of Love and Empathy
In a voiceover for the start of the programme, Kate reads extracts from a letter she wrote about love and empathy that was included with the event’s order of service. She says: “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.”
The carol service was a beautiful celebration of love and empathy, and Kate’s gesture to Lady Gabriella Windsor was a testament to the power of kindness and compassion in times of need.
