Princess of Wales Catherine Middleton shares special Christmas message

Kate Middleton has shared a heartfelt message ahead of the Together At Christmas carols special event. Watch the video.

Queen Consort has been appointed as the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, a role previously held by Prince Andrew until he was stripped of it earlier this year. Picture: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales has shared a special message ahead of Christmas, encouraging people to “slow down” and enjoy the “wonderful things” that make this time of year so special.

In a video shared on Instagram, Catherine Middleton said “hundreds of inspiring individuals” had been invited to the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service.

The guests were people “who showcase the power of connectedness and community values, allowing us to continue Her Majesty’s tradition for recognising and thanking those who have gone above and beyond to support others,” the Princess of Wales said in the video.

“Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy, and one that has deeply inspired many of us.”

The special event, which will be dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II and “all those who are sadly no longer with us”, was filmed on December 15 at Westminster Abbey but will be aired on Christmas Eve.

“While Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared. Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special,” the Princess of Wales said in the post.

PRINCE ANDREW LOSES PRESTIGIOUS ROLE

The King has appointed the Queen Consort the prestigious role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards in place of his brother the Duke of York.

Prince Andrew is said to be “crestfallen” over losing his beloved position of which he was stripped in January by the late Queen when he had all his honorary and military titles removed in the wake of him settling his sex assault lawsuit with accuser Virginia Giuffre.

The colonelcy was his most treasured title and he lobbied Queen Elizabeth II to have it reinstated but she refused.

His children reportedly begged the King to undo the Queen’s decision but he and the new Prince of Wales refused.

Buckingham Palace announced a reshuffle of regimental colonelcies for the Household division as it revealed that the King’s Birthday Parade, known as Trooping the Colour, will be held on June 17 next year.

Camilla, Queen Consort, has been appointed as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen Consort becomes the second ever female Colonel in the Grenadier Guards’ 366-year history, preceded only by Queen Elizabeth II who held the title from 1942 until 1952.

It is considered the most senior of the five Foot Guards regimental colonelcies.

In January, the role was handed back to the late monarch but the Princess of Wales had been widely tipped as a replacement.

The Princess has instead become Colonel of the Irish Guards, a role previously held by her husband, the Prince of Wales – who in turn takes the Colonelcy of the Welsh Guards from his father.

Prince Andrew will not be reinstated as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, with the Queen Consort appointed to the role. Picture: AFP

Prince Andrew settled a civil case in February with Ms Giuffre, who claimed he assaulted her several times, shortly after as it was ruled it could go to trial in the U.S.

She has said she was trafficked by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, whom she settled a sex abuse lawsuit with in 2013, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein died in prison in 2019 and Maxwell was found guilty of sex trafficking and other charges in December.

Prince Andrew has denied assaulting Giuffre and did not admit to any wrongdoing when settling the civil suit.

There will be no change to the existing colonelcies of the other regiments within the Household Division, said Buckingham Palace.

The King will remain Colonel-in-Chief of all regiments.

Meanwhile, the palace confirmed that the King and the Prince of Wales will ride on horseback during next year’s Trooping the Colour – while other members of the Royal family, including the Princess of Wales and the Queen Consort, will watch from carriages and the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Originally published as Princess of Wales Catherine Middleton shares special Christmas message