The Princess of Wales has warmly praised the dedication of community volunteers invited to her annual Christmas carol service, telling them their quiet acts of kindness create an 'extraordinary difference to the lives of others'.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
In a personal letter to her guests, Kate reflected on the festive season as a time that reminds us 'how deeply our lives are woven together'. She acknowledged that while life can sometimes feel fragmented, Christmas 'invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another'.
The future Queen will preside over the 'Together At Christmas' service at Westminster Abbey on Friday. Now in its fifth year, the event will bring together members of the royal family and 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms.
The service specifically aims to recognise individuals from across the United Kingdom who have dedicated time to be present with others, led community initiatives, or simply offered a helping hand.
Inspiring Guests and Their Stories
Among those receiving an invitation is schoolgirl Madison Reed, who last year raised over £1,360 for the Archie Foundation by performing Highland dances at 26 locations across Scotland, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet.
Another honoured guest is Ann Davies, an 80-year-old who has volunteered as a cook for nearly a decade with the Moses Project, a charity supporting men with addictions. Ms Davies also volunteers as a responsible adult at Middlesbrough police station, supporting vulnerable individuals who have been arrested.
In her letter, Kate wrote: 'The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.'
A Royal Gathering for a Festive Occasion
The Princess will be joined at the service by her husband, The Prince of Wales, who will deliver a reading. Royal watchers will hope to see their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, alongside other members of the royal family.
The event will feature musical performances from Katie Melua, Fisherman’s Friends, and Griff, with actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from Bastille also on the roster.
Readings linked to themes of love and compassion will be given by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe, and rising actor Joe Locke, accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Furthermore, 15 community carol services will be held across the UK in locations including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre and a community farm in Gwent, all sharing the same theme of love and togetherness. Guests at these services will also receive Kate's heartfelt letter.
The Westminster Abbey service will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat scheduled for Christmas Day.
