​Princess Kate releases fresh update on her Christmas Carol Service

Led by Princess Kate, the service that airs on ITV on Christmas Eve provides a moment for the royals and other guests 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.

The Invitations read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, supported by The Royal Foundation, and with grateful thanks to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey requests the pleasure of the company of.”

The guests will arrive at 3:30pm, and the service will take place between 5pm and 6pm.

The 16-second video, which plays a Christmas jingle throughout, shows heavy machinery stacking the letters before a woman seals the letter in an envelope and posts it through a Royal Mail post box.

In March, Princess Kate announced her cancer diagnosis, however, in a health boost in September, the mother of two revealed she had finished her preventative chemotherapy treatment in a video posted to her social media.

The update follows the Princess of Wales’s powerful letter ahead of her major appearance on December 6, in which she encouraged the nation to "turn to love, not fear."

She wrote: "Dear Guest, I am so delighted that you’re able to join this Carol Service. I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

"Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.

"It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness - so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about."

Kate added: "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.

Invites are well on their way ahead of our Together at Christmas Carol Service!

Bringing together inspiring people from across the UK, @wabbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities, whether on a personal level with friends and family,… pic.twitter.com/2o4AJ7kXH5

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 2, 2024

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"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. We all have something we can offer one another. Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side.

"Across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. They have provided comfort, counsel, and connection, and above all else they have shown that love unites and strengthens us all. 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. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas."

Kate signed the letter with her handwritten signature "Catherine", accompanied by: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales."