The Princess of Wales sent a Christmas message about the importance of acts of kindness in times that can seem “fragmented or uncertain”, in a letter to guests attending her carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday.
“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and quietly, and without any expectation or acknowledgment, make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others,” Catherine writes.
As well as members of the Royal Family, the 1,600 guests will include volunteers and people who have helped local communities.
Traditional Christmas carols will be sung in the specially decorated Abbey, with readings and music from artists including Hannah Waddingham and Kate Winslet.
“Deep down, Christmas talks about love taking shape in the simplest and most human way,” Catherine writes in her letter to guests.
“Not with sentimental or grandiose gestures, but kind ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.”
Last month he gave his first public speech in two years, as he gradually recovers after his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.
As guests wait to enter Westminster Abbey, they will hear music from young people supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent, who died this autumn.
The Duchess, who taught music at a public primary school, wanted to offer greater access to music lessons for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Guests will include Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died from a brain tumor and who set up a charity, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, to help families where a child is terminally ill.
Also attending will be nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of the BBC’s Make a Difference Young Hero award, who sells artwork and runs sponsored challenges to raise money for food banks.
“As the year comes to a close, I hope that this season brings you moments of peace and clarity, and that you too feel surrounded by the same love and care that you so freely offer,” Catherine writes.
Earlier on Tuesday, MPs on the Public Accounts Committee released information on royal leases, including Prince William and Catherine’s new home, Forest Lodge in Windsor.
It showed they had a 20-year lease with the Crown Estate, with the couple paying a market rent, determined by independent valuers.
The public spending watchdog will hold an inquiry into the Crown Estate and royal property next year, following questions over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrangements at Royal Lodge.
