The Princess of Wales participated in her customary Christmas carol gathering with her family at Westminster Abbey this evening, where Prince Louis left a note for his grandparents on the “kindness tree.”
At 42, Kate was accompanied by her family, which included the Prince of Wales, also 42, along with their children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six.
William and the royal children made their entrance after visiting the “kindness tree” situated near the abbey’s grand west door, where they affixed messages to its branches honoring individuals who have provided them support throughout their lives, aligning with the service’s focus on love and compassion.
All family members arrived holding their red tags, and Louis’ message was clearly visible, reading: “Thank you to granny and grandpa for playing games with me.”
William, Kate and their children sing along to the carols.
Pic: PA
William and Kate by the Kindness tree with their children. Pic: Reuters
Kate was seen greeting her guests and engaging with the attendees, all 1,600 of whom received invitations due to their efforts in supporting others.
The princess, who has hosted the Together at Christmas Carol service for the past four years, announced last month that she had completed her chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Prince Louis with his mother, Kate. Pic: PA
Prince William arrives for the service with Charlotte, George and Louis. Pic: Reuters
She has been slowly resuming public engagements after revealing in March that following surgery, tests indicated the presence of cancer, and in September, she shared that her chemotherapy treatment had concluded.
In a health update announced in September, Kate conveyed that she concluded her treatment, with her aim being to “stay cancer-free”.
During her conversation with Paloma Faith, one of tonight’s entertainers, the princess remarked: “I didn’t realize this year would turn out the way it has for me.”
She further expressed: “However, I believe many individuals have encountered significant challenges this year, many of whom are present here today.”
The princess subsequently expressed gratitude to the singer for agreeing to perform at the service and remarked: “I understand as a mother how difficult it is to take time away, juggling everything.”
The Princess of Wales converses with Paloma Faith at Westminster Abbey. Pic: Reuters
Kate alongside an attendee of the Together At Christmas occasion. Pic: Reuters
The princess proceeded to share a delightful story regarding her youngest son, Louis, who she mentioned was eager to inform his sister about the dancers who would be performing during the evening’s festivities.
“I told him, ‘Louis, can you keep a secret because I want it to be a surprise for Charlotte,’ who adores ballet, and he replied, ‘I promise, I promise I won’t disclose anything,’ and he has maintained the secret.”
However, while dropping him off at school this morning, Kate revealed he asked: “Mummy, can I please tell her? I’m about to burst.”
The princess expressed her wish that he had managed to uphold the secret.
William and Kate accompanied by their children at the yearly carol service. Pic: Reuters
In a message circulated prior to the service, Kate remarked that Christmas represents a period of “celebration and delight” as well as a “chance to pause and contemplate the deeper connections that unite us all.”
She added: “Christmas is one of my most cherished times of the year.”
In November, she participated in Remembrance Day observances alongside other senior royals, while in October she made a surprise visit to the families affected by the Southport incident.
Kate alongside Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean, and Paloma Faith. Pic: Reuters
In her correspondence to the attendees of the carol service, Kate seemed to allude to the challenges faced by the Royal Family over the past year, including the King’s diagnosis with cancer.
“Love serves as the light that can shine brightly, even during our darkest hours,” she articulated.
Prince William recently characterized the previous year as “harsh” and perhaps “the most challenging year of my life”.
Vocalist Gregory Porter is also anticipated to perform during the evening’s program.
Sir Chris Hoy, an Olympic cycling champion who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle, along with Lindsey Burrow, the spouse of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who succumbed to motor neurone disease in June.
The occasion will be aired as part of the special titled Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, and it will include three films showcasing the stories of individuals and organizations that have inspired, supported, and comforted others in their moments of need.
