The Princess of Wales hosted her fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, gathering family, celebrities, and various charity representatives to honor those who embody love, kindness, and empathy within their communities.
One of the key figures involved this year was Lady Gabriella Windsor, who was invited to aid the princess in the organizing efforts for the event. Lady Gabriella has been mourning the loss of her husband, Thomas Kingston, who tragically passed away earlier this year. After his death, ruled by the coroner as suicide following struggles with mental health, her involvement with the project served as both a personal and public act of healing.
A source highlighted Lady Gabriella’s sentiments, 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 connection between the two women reflects the core values of the event, stressing the importance of empathy during times of loss and hardship.
This year’s service featured notable performances from several artists, including Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, and singer-songwriter JP Cooper. The event was also marked by emotional gestures, as the children of the Princess and Prince William—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—held candles during the heartfelt ceremony.
Adding to the poignant atmosphere, Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is battling terminal prostate cancer, lit a candle alongside Lindsey Burrow, the widow of former rugby league star Rob Burrow, who passed away earlier this year after his own battle with motor neurone disease.
Celebrity readings for the evening included captivating contributions from actors Richard E Grant and Michelle Dockery, as well as Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty. Richard E Grant recited passages from Charles Dickens’s traditional festive tale, A Christmas Carol, emphasizing the timeless message of compassion and giving.
Following the service, Kate recorded a voiceover for the program, which is titled Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, scheduled to broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. Her message resonates with the theme of the evening, as she reflects on what it means to show empathy during the season. The princess shared excerpts from her letter included with the event's order of service, emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, and human connection.
She stated, "The Christmas story encourages us to hear the experiences and feelings of others. It 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 we show ourselves and the love we show others is fundamental—love that's kind, forgiving, and brings joy and hope.”
Through her continued commitment to highlight these values, the Princess of Wales not only honors the memory of those lost but reinforces the community spirit necessary to navigate life's difficulties. Together at Christmas stands as much more than just a concert; it is a poignant reminder of the strength found within communities and the power of collective support.
With preparations for Christmas well underway, this year's Together at Christmas carol service aims to spread hope and highlight inspirational stories from those who provide comfort to others during challenging times. Viewers can expect to see heartwarming stories of people and organizations who have inspired and assisted others during their most difficult moments.
The Together at Christmas event and its subsequent broadcasting serve as twin pillars of compassion and support, inviting reflection on the essence of what it means to belong to and nurture the fabric of community.
