Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.Photo:Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Kate Middleton’sTogether at Christmascarol service was full of emotion and poignant moments at the end of a year in which Princess Kate announced that she wasundergoing treatment for cancer.
Many motifs throughout the program echoed the theme of gratitude for the present, reflecting on the challenges of whatPrince Williampreviously described as a “brutal” year, as both his wife and father,King Charles, faced their battles with cancer. Kensington Palace previously announced that Princess Kate, 42, choselove and empathyas the themes of the concert this year, and she sent an emotional letter to guests aboutthe power of loveto uplift in the darkest times.
The sentiment of togetherness and connectedness was reflected in the illustration she chose for the order of service for the carol service.
Charlie Mackesy’s illustration for the order of service for Kate Middleton’s Together at Christmas carol service.Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy
Princess Kate tapped author and artist Charlie Mackesy to create an illustration for the booklet, which showed a group of friends trooping through the snow together towards Westminster Abbey with their arms interlinked.
Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas concert on Dec. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
The order of service itself opened to show an emotional message, repeating the themes of love and empathy.
“This Carol Service is dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities,” a dedication said. “They have inspired, counselled, comforted, and highlighted how love unites and connects us all.”
The palace previously said that the carol service would welcome those who went above and beyond for their communities this year, and others who experienced difficult times this year. Princess Kate invitedfamilies and survivorsfrom Southport, the site of a massstabbingat aTaylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 in which three children were killed and 10 others, including eight children, were injured.
Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas concert on Dec. 6, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Princess Kate’sfirst public engagementafter announcing that she completed chemotherapy was a surprise visit to Southport with Prince William on Oct. 10, where they met families of thethree young girlswho were killed, and others involved in the tragedy, including the dance teacher who witnessed the horror and first responders.
Kate Middleton arrives for the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Another guest who Princess Kate invited in recognition for community contributions — with a link to supporting those who cancer — was Olivia Bowditch, 18, from Dorset. Olivia was honored for her volunteer work at the charity From Me to You, which sends anonymous letters to cancer patients as a show of love and support.
Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra Kemp at the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
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In a rare revelation, Princess Kate spoke about her own cancer journey and the year she has faced while speaking to pop star andTogether at Christmasperformer Paloma Faith at the event.
“I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” Princess Kate said, as seen in footage onXfrom Channel 5 News in the U.K.
“The unplanned,” Faith said.
“The unplanned, exactly,” the Princess of Wales repeated with a nod, and added, “But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”
Kate Middleton speaks to Paloma Faith and Olivia Dean at the Together at Christmas concert on Dec. 6, 2024.Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty
Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty
Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition:Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.
source: people.com
