Kate Middleton planned Christmas carol service with help from grieving royal after tragic loss
The Princess of Wales planned her carol service with help from the grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor whose husband was found dead earlier this year. Kate invited Lady Gabriella during the summer to join her team organising her annual Together at Christmas event at Westminster Abbey which featured a host of stars.
The event was dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities, and the princess’ gesture to the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent echoed this theme. A source said about Lady Gabriella: “She was very touched and grateful to the princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and that she felt honoured to do so.” Kate is understood to have been incredibly grateful for her contribution.
Lady Gabriella's husband, financier Thomas Kingston, passed away on February 25 due to a head injury, with a gun discovered near his body at his family home in the Cotswolds. An inquest in October ruled his death a suicide, and Lady Gabriella highlighted the potential impact of medication for mental health issues after it was disclosed that Mr Kingston had been prescribed drugs for sleep disturbances caused by work-related stress.
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Lady Gabriella, also known as Ella to her friends, supported Kate and played an advisory role with the organising team around the music performances that featured during the service.
The festive carol service, which took place on December 6, saw performances from the likes of Paloma Faith and jazz sensation Gregory Porter, alongside singer-songwriter JP Cooper who teamed up with the Soul Sanctuary Choir and rising star Olivia Dean. The Cambridge family, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and little Prince Louis, joined Kate and William, all holding candles in the solemn atmosphere of Westminster Abbey, where they were surrounded by other guests, including Royal family members.
The event also had a poignant touch as terminally ill Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy lit a candle, mirroring the heartfelt gesture made by Lindsey Burrow, wife of the late rugby league hero Rob Burrow who passed away in June after a high-profile fight with motor neurone disease. .
Emotive readings were delivered by a host of stars such as Richard E Grant, 'Downton Abbey' favourite Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, known for her Oscar-nominated performance in 'Hotel Rwanda', and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty. .
The heartwarming service is set to be televised in the special Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, featuring three touching films that shine a light on the stories of individuals and organisations who have been pillars of support and comfort during tough times.
Adding a personal touch, Kate lends her voice to the programme's introduction, reading parts of a letter she penned on love and empathy, which was also shared in the event's order of service. In her message, she reflects: "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 just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.
"Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope."
