Brave Kate Middleton emphasises the ‘importance of empathy’ and shows the world a smile as hosts her Christmas Eve carol concert after her toughest year yet

The Princess of Wales has returned to screens to host her annual Together At Christmas carol concert after her toughest year yet. 

The service, which was filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, is Kate’s fourth annual Christmas Eve concert and was attended by members of the royal family including Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis. 

Kate bravely hosted crowds with a beaming smile on her face after an incredibly difficult year in which she has completed preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer. 

At the start of her annual carol concert, Kate called for people to ‘slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all’ and turn to ‘love, not fear’. 

The broadcast of Kate’s service featured a special festive message from the royal, 42, in which she spoke about the importance of love and empathy.

It marked one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing her cancer treatment – and is part of her gradual return to royal duties. 

Her heartfelt message was also given in a letter to every guest at the concert on December 6, and 15 regional community services. 

Kate said: ‘Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time 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.’

The theme of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps suitable considering the difficult year the Princess has had.

Kate 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 love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.’

Her message was told in the form of a voice over played at the start of the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

Kate has been described as being ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service, including holding regular planning meetings at Windsor ahead of filming. 

On the day the service was filmed, the Princess arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.

However, the supportive royals have also helped Kate bring her ideas together, with everyone from King Charles, who donated Christmas trees, and Prince Louis, who penned a sweet note, helping to make the service a seasonal success.  

The Princess of Wales looked elegant in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with black Ralph Lauren boots for the festive occasion.

The event, which was attended by 1,600 people ‘reflects upon…how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives’. 

The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’. ‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan.

Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School.

During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.

Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan.

Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service.

This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ will be situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.

‘In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people

Sat behind the Wales family, who were in the front row, was Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, who looked stunning in a velvet suit, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were behind William. 

Next to them was George Gilman, who is married to the Gloucesters’ daughter, Lady Rose Windsor. 

Lady Rose wasn’t present, but Gilman was joined by their daughter Lyla, 14, amid the backdrop of the beautifully decorated Abbey. 

After Kate’s opening speech, the broadcast of her annual festive gathering is narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald and ‘featurse three special community films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need’.

Kensington Palace said: ‘In each of the films, the groups are seen receiving letters from the princess inviting them to attend – and in the case of the Sankofa Songsters sing at – the service at Westminster Abbey.’

The films showcase the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond and intergenerational choir the Sankofa Songsters.

The first –  focusing on the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group – will highlight a single mother based in Worcestershire, who set up the ground to tackle loneliness.

The film showcasing Go Beyond will feature six young carers aged between eight and 13, who ‘go above and beyond every day to show empathy and support to their families’.

And the last will detail an intergenerational choir based in Belong Chester. This not-for-profit care village brings together care home residents and their young friends from The Nursery in Belong, operated by national charity Ready Generations.

Kensington Palace says the choir has ‘enhanced the lives of everyone, strengthening relationships between all ages by spreading kindness and love, with members aged from two to 100.’

It comes after it was revealed the Princess reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor for help in planning her carol concert.

Kate made her appeal over the summer to Lady Gabriella, 43, whose husband Thomas Kingston killed himself in February.

The daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent took a major role in planning the Westminster Abbey service on December 6.

Lady Gabriella’s husband financier Thomas Kingston, 45, died on February 25 from a head injury and a gun was found near his body at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. 

The carol service was staged on December 6 and featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper who performed with the Soul Sanctuary Choir and new singing talent Olivia Dean.

Kate and William were joined by their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six, who all held candles during the service, as did the other guests who included members of the monarchy.

Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, lit a candle as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.

Readings were given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.

The service, produced by The Royal Foundation, aims 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’.

ITV said: ‘This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.’

The concert was the first time the Wales family had been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.   

She was also accompanied by the wider Middleton family, from supportive mother Carole to sister Pippa, 41, and brother James, 37.

The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements before walking around to greet other guests. 

When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate, 42, replied: ‘I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had’.

She went on: ‘The unplanned… but I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times and many who are here today…’ 

The princess, who married Prince William in 2011 and attended the late Queen’s funeral in 2022 at Westminster Abbey, said that the building held ‘so many memories’ for her.

Royal Carols: Together At Christmas is available to watch now on ITV1 and ITVX.