The Princess of Wales asked Lady Gabriella Kingston to help her with her traditional Christmas carol service.
Lady Gabriella was widowed in February when her husband, Thomas Kingston, died. In the months that followed, the Princess of Wales asked her cousin by marriage to join her in planning the annual event.
Catherine gave Gabriella, a singer and composer, an important role in developing the music for the service.
(Prince and Princess of Wales/ X)
The ceremony, which this year was focused on love, empathy and the importance of supporting others in times of need, features traditional carols as well as performances from Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, JP Cooper and Olivia Dean.
Lady Gabriella is understood to have been ”honoured” and ”very touched” to have been asked to contribute. The Princess of Wales is said to have been ”very grateful” for her cousin’s help.
(Stephen Lock / i-Images)
In a special letter given to all 1,600 guests at the service, the Princess of Wales writes that ”the Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also 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.”
Catherine adds that ”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.”
Lady Gabriella lost her husband in February. Thomas Kingston died from a self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. His inquest heard he had recently switched medication and his wife and family believe that this altered his mental and emotional state, leading to the tragedy.
(i-Images/ Pool)
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, after undergoing major abdominal surgery. Her course of preventative chemotherapy came to an end in early autumn.
The Christmas carol service took place on December 6th and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
