The Princess of Wales has issued a heartfelt new message ahead of a major royal event this week, penning a personal letter to the community stalwarts invited to her annual Christmas carol service.
A Message of Togetherness and Compassion
In her letter, Kate Middleton praised her guests, telling them they are making an “extraordinary difference to the lives of others”. She reflected on the festive season as a time that reminds us “how deeply our lives are woven together”, offering solace when life feels “fragmented or uncertain”. The future queen emphasised that Christmas “invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another”.
The occasion for this message is the Together At Christmas carol service, which the Princess will preside over at Westminster Abbey on Friday. Now in its fifth year, the event will bring together members of the royal family and 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms.
Honouring Unsung Heroes Across the UK
The service is specifically designed to recognise individuals from across the UK who have dedicated time to others. This includes volunteers, community initiative leaders, and those who simply offer a helping hand to people around them.
In her letter, made available to all carol service guests, Kate wrote: “This carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service, and to honour the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all. The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.”
Among those receiving this royal recognition are remarkable individuals like schoolgirl Madison Reed. Last year, she raised more than £1,360 for the Archie Foundation by performing Highland dances in 26 locations across Scotland, each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet. The charity supports sick children and their families in north-east Scotland.
Another guest is Ann Davies, an 80-year-old volunteer cook who has worked for almost a decade with the Moses Project. This charity provides mentoring and support for men with past and current addictions. Ann also volunteers as a responsible adult at Middlesbrough police station, supporting vulnerable individuals who have been arrested.
A Royal Family Occasion with Star-Studded Performances
The Princess will be joined at the Westminster Abbey service by her husband, the Prince of Wales, who will deliver a reading. Royal watchers will also be hoping to see their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, alongside other members of the royal family.
The event will feature a roster of performers including Katie Melua, Fisherman’s Friends, and Griff. Actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from the band Bastille will also take part. Readings linked to themes of love, compassion, and connection will be delivered by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe, and rising actor Joe Locke, accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Furthermore, the spirit of the event will extend nationwide. Some 15 community carol services are set to take place across the UK in venues including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury, and a community farm in Gwent. These services will follow the same love and togetherness theme, and their guests will also receive the Princess's letter.
The Westminster Abbey service is scheduled to air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat broadcast on Christmas Day.
