Ahead of her fourth Together at Christmas carol service next week, The Princess of Wales has issued a heartfelt Christmas letter to those attending the event, calling for “love, not fear.”
The annual Service will take place at Westminster Abbey on 6th December and will be broadcast on ITV 1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales will host her fourth Together at Christmas carol service next week. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Noting how Christmas is one of her favourite times of the year, Catherine notes how it is also ‘a time for celebration and joy’ and it ‘gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all’. She adds ‘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 – so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about’.
Reflecting on how ‘the Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others’, The Princess of Wales states that the story also reflects on ‘our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy’.
‘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 Wales’ attended this year’s carol service at Westminster Abbey. (Westminster Abbey)
‘It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times. We all have something we can offer one another. Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side’.
focuses on celebrating individuals who support those in need—people who inspire, counsel, comfort, and exemplify the message that love is the greatest gift. In her message to attendees, Catherine reinforces that by saying that ‘across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. They have provided comfort, counsel, and connection, and above all else they have shown that love unites and strengthens us all’.
The Princess of Wales concludes her message but highlighting how this year’s Carol Service ‘is a heartfelt celebration’ for all the attendees and that all throughout the year ‘we must all shine for each other because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light’.
The Prince of Wales will give a reading a this year’s Together at Christmas carol service. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace).
In addition, Kensington Palace has confirmed this year’s event will be attended by other members of the Royal Family. The Palace has also said that The Prince of Wales will be among those giving a reading at the festive event, like last year’s Together at Christmas service.
During the service, candles at Westminster Abbey will be lit by Lindsey Burrow, the wife of the late rugby league player Rob Burrow, who passed away earlier this year from motor neurone disease, and Sir Chris Hoy MBE, who recently shared his cancer diagnosis.
The Abbey will also be decorated with sustainable festive decorations and foliage.
This year’s Together at Christmas carol service will recognise those who support others. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
This carol service marks one of Catherine’s few public engagements since her cancer diagnosis in March. The Princess’ engagements this year have included Trooping the Colour to celebrate Charles’ birthday, meeting the families of the girls killed in Stockport and attending Wimbledon in the summer.
In a moving video message broadcast in September, the Princess shared that her cancer journey is ongoing, describing her ‘path to healing and full recovery’ as long. She emphasised taking one day at a time but expressed optimism about resuming work and engaging in more public commitments in the months ahead
The Prince of Wales also echoed a similar sentiment stating that this year had been ‘brutal’ and ‘the hardest year in my life’, with his father also receiving cancer treatment.
