Kensington Palace release important statement about Kate Middleton
Kensington Palace has confirmed that Kate Middleton will attend three royal events tomorrow as the Amir of Qatar makes a state visit to the UK. Kate will join her husband, Prince William, in greeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, on 3 December.
William and Kate will then travel with the pair to Horse Guards Parade, where they will receive a ceremonial welcome before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla. Presentations will be made, a royal salute will occur and the Qatari national anthem is set to be played. The Emir and Sheikha Jawaher will join Charles and Camilla and William and Kate in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they will be met by a second guard of honour.
However, Kate, who is recovering from cancer, will not attend the grand state banquet hosted by Charles at Buckingham Palace in the evening, Kensington Palace have said.
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Kate, 42, stepped back from her royal duties this year after she underwent abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer. In a moving video released in September, Kate revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was “looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months”. She added that her focus was “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
Kate will be hosting her annual carol service this week and has written a heartfelt letter for the 1,600 people attending the Together at Christmas service, highlighting the importance of love and empathy.
Kate will deliver the touching Christmas message to those gathered at Westminster Abbey in which she describes love as "the greatest gift we can receive".
Her thoughtful words, featured with the order of service for the event on Friday, will reflect on the overarching theme of the event: "This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light."
In her heartfelt letter, Kate expressed: "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.
"It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times."
The service aims to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times.
Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle as will Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.
Readings, linked to the theme of love and empathy, will be made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
