Princess of Wales’s carol concert gets bespoke Charlie Macksey drawing
The Princess of Wales’s carol concert will feature a bespoke illustration by Charlie Mackesy, honouring those who have helped others through tough times by “being by their side when they need it most”.
Mackesy, who is known for his sentimental drawings about love and bravery, has been commissioned by Kensington Palace for the cover of the carol concert’s Order of Service.
The image, which will be shared with the congregation of Westminster Abbey during the event on Friday, shows a group of people walking to the service in the snow with their arms around each other.
“How did I help?” one says.
“You were by my side, which was everything,” another replies.
The theme of the Princess’s carol concert this year is love, kindness and empathy in times of difficulty.
Kensington Palace said it would be a moment to reflect upon the “importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.
It comes after the Princess spoke of the strength she has personally taken from “all those who are helping us” during her chemotherapy, adding: “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
Mackesy, who is best known for his illustrations and 2019 book about ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’, said: “Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.
“As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ carol service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service.
“I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.”
It will be on the front cover of the Order of Service for this year’s “Together at Christmas” carol service which is taking place on Friday Dec 6 and will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.
The words in the illustration “embody the theme of the carol service and the power of providing support to someone simply through being by their side when they need it most,” said Kensington Palace.
Guests at the Abbey, numbering 1,600, will include those who have supported their communities and families. Some have endured their own “difficult times” this year.
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.
The Princess of Wales has written a letter to accompany the Order of Service.
It will 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 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 will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, on ITV1 at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.
