Kate plans carol service with Lady Gabriella Windsor

The Princess of Wales enlisted the help of recently widowed Lady Gabriella Windsor in planning her Westminster Abbey carol service this year.

Lady Gabriella, whose husband Thomas Kingston took his own life in February, helped choose which musical acts would appear at the annual Together at Christmas event.

The BBC understands that King Charles’s second cousin enjoyed her role at the service and was excited to attend after a difficult year.

The service on December 6 was Catherine’s biggest return to royal duties since finishing chemotherapy. The event was dedicated to individuals who have shown love, kindness and compassion towards their communities.

The Princess of Wales asked Lady Gabriella to join her for the summer, with Catherine understood to be incredibly grateful for her contribution.

Lady Gabriella is the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent – ​​Prince Michael, aged 81, is a grandson of King George V and a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Lady Gabriella’s husband, Financier Thomas Kingston died of head injuries At his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. In October, a coroner concluded that he took his own life at the age of 45.

In a tribute shared at the time of his death, Lady Gabriella and her family called Mr Kingston “an extraordinary man who brightened the lives of all who knew him”.

The Christmas message at this year’s service was all about promoting “love, not fear”.

“Love is the light that can shine even in our darkest times,” the princess wrote in a letter to guests.

It marks the end of a difficult year for her and her family, with both Catherine and King Charles undergoing cancer treatment.

Prince and Princess of Wales their children also attended Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the service.

A crowd of 1,600 held candles during the service, broadcast by ITV on Christmas Eve.

The world-renowned Abbey Choir performed several carols and the event featured performances by Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and singer-songwriter JP Morgan with the Soul Sanctuary Choir.

Readings were given by actor Richard E. Grant, Olympic swimming gold medalist Adam Peaty and Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery.

It will feature three films about people and organizations that have inspired and consoled others in times of need.

In a pre-recorded opening speech, Katherine will read excerpts from a letter she wrote about love and empathy, which was included in the program’s order of service.

She would say: “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 how much we need each other despite our differences.

“Above all, it encourages us to move toward love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love that we show others. The love that listens with empathy, the love that is compassionate. And wise is the love that is forgiving, and the love that forgives, and the love that we show others. Brings joy and hope.”