Lady Gabriella Windsor collaborated with Princess Kate Middleton to help organize the annual Christmas carol service, Together at Christmas, held at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024. Following her husband Thomas Kingston’s tragic death earlier this year, Lady Gabriella was honored to assist the Princess of Wales as she planned this heartfelt event.
Every December, the Together at Christmas event showcases performances by various artists, celebrating the spirit of kindness and empathy. This year, the event featured renowned performances from Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, and JP Cooper, alongside the Soul Sanctuary Choir. Members of the British royal family, including Prince William and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—were present, contributing to this emotional evening.
Lady Gabriella, known affectionately among friends as Ella, was invited by Kate over the summer to join the planning team for this important occasion. After experiencing her own loss, Lady Gabriella felt particularly touched by Kate’s invitation, stating, "She was very touched and grateful to the princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and she felt honoured to do so."
The carol service aimed to honor individuals who have demonstrated love and empathy within their communities, aligning perfectly with its festive theme. The event also served as an opportunity to bring awareness to mental health issues, especially after Lady Gabriella's husband’s death was attributed to concerns he faced during his treatment for stress-related issues.
This year’s service especially highlighted themes of compassion, showcasing the resilience of individuals through poignant performances and readings. Attendees included notable figures such as Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is currently battling terminal cancer, and Lindsey Burrow, the wife of the late rugby player Rob Burrow, who passed away after his fight with motor neurone disease.
During the service, several readings were delivered by actors Richard E Grant, Michelle Dockery, and Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty, all emphasizing the significance of kindness and vulnerability during the holiday season. The atmosphere was filled with moments of reflection and hope as attendees lit candles to symbolize their support for one another.
Princess Kate Middleton also recorded a heartfelt voiceover for the televised service, which will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. Her message resonates deeply, saying, "The Christmas story encourages us to... turn to love, not fear. The love we show ourselves and the love we show others is what truly matters."
Kate continued, urging everyone to embrace love, empathy, and kindness, which she feels is the core of the Christmas spirit.
The Together at Christmas service serves not just as an entertainment showcase, but also as a meaningful reminder of the interconnectedness within communities, encouraging individuals to uplift and support each other during tough times. The values highlighted during the event are more relevant than ever, particularly considering the societal challenges many have faced over the past few years.
With Christmas just around the corner, Princess Kate's event promises to uplift spirits and rekindle the spirit of community. It mirrors the sentiment of togetherness and emphasizes the importance of offering support in times of need. This year, as they gather to celebrate, attendees left with hearts full of gratitude and the reminder of the power of love during the holiday season.
This special event, funded and organized with the help of Lady Gabriella Windsor, resonates with many reflections of kindness and deeply personal stories, reminding everyone of what Christmas truly stands for: love, support, and togetherness.
