Princess Kate emphasized the “importance of empathy” in her heartfelt message of hope during the fourth annual *Together at Christmas* carol service, filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month. The Princess of Wales urged viewers to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all” and choose “love, not fear” this Christmas season.
The star-studded event, which featured performances from Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, JP Cooper, and the Soul Sanctuary Choir, was attended by Kate’s husband, Prince William, and their children: Prince George, 11; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, 6. The service also saw special readings by actors Richard E. Grant, Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed his recent terminal prostate cancer diagnosis, and the wife of late rugby star Rob Burrow, who passed away in June following a battle with motor neurone disease, participated in lighting candles to honor loved ones during the service.
In a personal message shared before the broadcast, Kate expressed how Christmas is a time for “love, kindness, and forgiveness” and reflected on how the Christmas story encourages empathy, love, and the importance of supporting others. “It is love, the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives,” she said.
The *Together at Christmas* carol service also featured three community films spotlighting local organizations that offer comfort and support during times of need. These included the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond, and the intergenerational choir Sankofa Songsters. These groups, which embody the spirit of kindness and community, were invited by Princess Kate to attend the service as part of her ongoing mission to promote empathy and help those in need.
Behind the scenes, Kate shared touching footage of herself greeting children at the event. Kensington Palace confirmed that Princess Kate reached out to Lady Gabriella Windsor for assistance with the event’s planning, following the tragic loss of her husband earlier this year. Lady Gabriella, a long-time ambassador for the youth charity Restore the Music, played a key role in organizing the event and selecting performers like Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan for the service.
Despite the festive mood, the event drew some controversy as Princess Kate reportedly chose not to invite her uncle, Prince Andrew, to the event amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding his public image. It is believed that the Prince and Princess of Wales have distanced themselves from Prince Andrew in recent public appearances.
The *Together at Christmas* service, which is narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald, will air on Christmas Eve, featuring powerful messages of empathy, love, and unity during the holiday season.
