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Guests at the Princess of Wales' fourth "Together at Christmas" carol service will be given a special letter penned by the royal herself. In it, Her Royal Highness, who announced in September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, wrote about love, calling it "the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times."
The Princess began her letter, writing, "I am so delighted that you're able to join this Carol Service. I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness - so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about."
"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. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear," Catherine continued. "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. It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times."
From "gentle words or a receptive ear" to "an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone's side," Catherine noted that "we all have something we can offer one another." She wrote, "Across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. They have provided comfort, counsel, and connection, and above all else they have shown that love unites and strengthens us all. This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other's light. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas."
The guests at the carol service on Friday, Dec. 6, will include members of the royal family and 1,600 individuals who have supported others in their communities. The holiday event at Westminster Abbey, hosted by the Princess, will feature performances by Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter, as well as carols performed by the Westminster Abbey choir.
The theme of this year's service is said to take inspiration from the Christmas story. Kensington Palace has shared that the 2024 service will provide "a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives," and will "shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities." According to the palace, the Princess of Wales wanted this year to "celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive."
