Princess of Wales hosts her fourth annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey

by Mick the Ram

The Princess of Wales is preparing to host an event that has become an annual fixture in the Royal calendar.

With the support of the Royal Foundation, Catherine will lead the carol service known as “Together at Christmas” for the fourth time, having introduced it back in 2021.  

Individuals from all over the UK who have shown kindness towards others in their communities – whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work, or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering, will be recognised at the concert taking place at Westminster Abbey.

There will be a 1,600-strong congregation who will enjoy musical performances combining traditional and modern elements, from the likes of  Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter, together with the world-renowned Abbey Choir.

Each guest received a personally penned heartfelt letter from the Princess, with the main theme being “love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times”.

Kate has invited many of the people closely affected by the Southport knife attacks, a tragedy that happened in the summer which greatly touched the princess when she visited the area and met the bereaved families.

Prince William will attend along with the couple’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Theme close to Kate’s heart as always

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the theme of this year’s event would be “how much we need each other especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.

This of course follows the announcement last month that Kate has finished her chemotherapy treatment in a year that Prince William has described as “brutal.”

Supporting those in need

The “Together At Christmas” concert this time around forms part of the Princess’s gradual return to public duties following her diagnosis, which came after she underwent abdominal surgery.

Kensington Palace said Kate wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need.

Time of reflection

In her note, she appears to subtly acknowledge her own difficulties of the past year, but in the main deflect attention on to those who help others in their time of need.

She opens the letter by declaring her delight at the attendance of all the wonderful individuals and expresses her fondness of Christmas time.

She pointed out the opportunity it always brings to allow people to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”

Compassion a vital element

Delving deeper into that sentiment, she goes onto say: “It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness.”

The 42-year-old princess also stressed the importance of compassion: “Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side listening with empathy and understanding,” were key ingredients to bring joy and hope she said.

Grateful for the simple things

Continuing, the Princess of Wales went on to highlight how “the Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others; reflecting our own vulnerabilities, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. But above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.”

She rounded off her touching text by saying how both William and herself had been reminded how they needed to be “grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”

Southport visit left a lasting impression

Her visit to Southport left a huge impression on her when meeting the survivors and the families of those who tragically were not so lucky.

The royal couple met privately with the families of the three victims: six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, who were all fatally stabbed.

They were very much at the forefront of her thoughts when she sat down to write her letter.

Stars doing their bit

At the service readings will be delivered by The Prince of Wales himself, as well as Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.

Candles will be lit by Sir Chris Hoy MBE, Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan, as well as Lindsey Burrow, the wife of Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who so tragically was struck down with motor neurone disease (MND).

Rob bravely brought the condition to the attention of the general public with the help of his best friend, Kevin Sinfield, who continues to fundraise in support of his former teammate, who sadly lost his fight for life in June.

Good luck message

Indeed, Sinfield is about to embark on his latest endurance fitness challenge to raise more money for the cause and was sent a personal message from William and Kate wishing him the “very best of luck”.

William had met Lindsey at a previous fundraiser event and was moved by how she was handling the situation with strength and positivity and as a result, the prince has written a foreword for a memoir written her entitled: Take Care: A Memoir Of Love, Family & Never Giving Up, which is due to be published in February next year.

Humble, honourable, heroic

It is these types of individuals that the Princess has in mind when creating the Christmas Carol concert at the Abbey.

Each of the previous three carol services took on a slightly different theme, with last year’s being a celebration and an opportunity to honour the work of those who support children throughout their early years.

In 2022, ‘Together at Christmas’ was a commemoration of the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II; whilst in the inaugural year the topic centred around the communities of essential workers who stepped up during the Covid-19 pandemic.