Princess of Wales records a special message of hope reflecting on one of the hardest years of her life

The Princess of Wales has recorded a special message reflecting on one of the hardest years of her life, asking the public to focus on “the things that connect us all”.

The Princess of Wales, 42, will give the uplifting monologue of hope at the start of her Together at Christmas carol service, which was this year boosted by the help of Lady Gabriella Kingston.

Princess Catherine offered an advisory role on musical choices to Lady Gabriella, 43, ten months after her financier husband Thomas Kingston’s tragic suicide in February.

Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston in happier times. Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, has written and released eight of her own jazz-inspired tracks since 2020 under the name Ella Windsor – and even sang at her own wedding reception.

A friend of Lady Gabriella’s told The Sun, “She was very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and she felt honoured to do so.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales shakes hands with Richard E. Grant during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. Picture: Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty Images

It comes as Princess Catherine used her speech, which airs on ITV on Christmas Eve, to ask viewers to “reflect” on how they can give the gift of love to others.

At the start of the service, she says: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”

Princess Charlotte of Wales (L), Prince Louis of Wales (C) and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service" at Westminster Abbey. Picture: AFP

And the Princess added: “It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Prince George attend the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service" at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture: AFP

The concert was filmed at Westminster Abbey on December 6 with Kate’s husband Prince William, 42, and children Prince George 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, six, watching from the front row.

It will feature performances from singers Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.

The televised service features three hand-picked films made by community groups on the themes of love, empathy and kindness.

Prince William and Princess Catherine released a family Christmas card – and it’s a poignant nod to their “hardest year”. Picture: Supplied

It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, shared their 2024 holiday card, featuring a still frame from the video Princess Catherine issued on September 9 to announce that she had completed chemotherapy treatment.

The photo showed the Princess and Prince of Wales sitting with their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with their arms around each other.

“Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year,” read a message in the card, which was shared to the royal couple’s social media accounts.

The card was propped up on a table in the brief clip, with a twinkling tree visible in the background and faux snow and sparkles falling before it.

Originally published as Princess of Wales records a special message of hope reflecting on one of the hardest years of her life