The Princess of Wales has said that Christmas is about the ”simplest form of love” as she gets ready for her festive carol service.
Kate has written a letter to all the guests who are attending ‘Together at Christmas’ which will be held on December 5 at Westminster Abbey.
This year’s event has love as its theme and in her Christmas message, the Princess says ”at its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways. Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.”
And Kate continues ”these simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong. Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together.”
The letter will be given to all 1,600 people attending the carol service which has become a regular tradition for the Princess of Wales.
This year’s celebration will include music from Cornish folk group, The Fishermen’s Friends, as well as performances from Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff and Katie Melua.
(Prince and Princess of Wales/ X)
Readings will be given by Prince William as well as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé, Joe Locke and Kate Winslet. All the words chosen reflect on the themes of love, connection and compassion.
There will also be a focus in the service on the stories of some of those invited who are leading by their own examples to create a more caring society.
In a special moment, candles will be lit around the Abbey by some of the people that the Prince and Princess of Wales have met in the past year.
William and Kate are expected to be joined by their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and 7 year old Prince Louis. Members of the Royal Family will also be in the congregation.
A poignant welcome awaits them all as members of Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the Duchess of Kent, to support musically gifted children from low income backgrounds will be playing as guests approach the Abbey.
All those attending will walk in through a specially created display of native British trees, interspersed with foliage, that is being designed for the Abbey by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth.
Inside, the Abbey will be decorated with wreaths designed by The Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett.
And there will also be a ”Connection Tree”, supported by Hobbycraft, where guests can add a looped piece of paper on which they write a name of a person who is special to them.
Together at Christmas is organised by the Princess of Wales alongside The Royal Foundation. This year, fifteen community carol services will also be held throughout the UK.
