Kate Middleton expressed the importance of spreading love and kindness as she reflected on her challenging year in a heartfelt letter to guests attending her annual Christmas carol concert next week.
The Princess of Wales, 42, who recently announced she was cancer-free after completing chemotherapy, emphasized the need for loved ones and empathy during difficult times ahead of the festive televised event at London’s Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6.
“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,” Princess Catherine penned.
“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 holiday service, which dons a new theme each year, will highlight individuals from all over the United Kingdom who have shown love, kindness and empathy toward others in their communities, the palace confirmed.
The beloved royal spent much of this year behind closed doors following her abdominal surgery in January, which was closely followed by her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Her father-in-law, King Charles III, was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
In her letter, she stressed the need for those to give and receive compassion “in spite of our differences.”
“It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives,” the mom of three wrote.
“Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times. We all have something we can offer one another. Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side.”
While Middleton’s involvement in this year’s event was previously thrust into doubt given her health woes, the palace said she wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need.
With celebrities expected to pack this year’s Christmas extravaganza, the Princess of Wales invited survivors and the relatives of the stabbing attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England, to the event.
The families and survivors will be treated to three days in London.
Transportation and accommodations are being covered by Southport Stronger Together, a charity founded to benefit those affected by the tragedy.
On the day of the service, Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have provided support to their communities.
It will be Prince Catherine’s fourth time staging the “Together At Christmas” carol service — an annual event supported by The Royal Foundation.
The concert will be aired on Christmas Eve.