The Princess of Wales says love is all that matters

The Princess of Wales has said that Christmas is about the
”simplest form of love” as she gets ready for her festive carol
service.

Kate has written a letter to all the guests who are attending
‘Together at Christmas’ which will be held on December 5 at
Westminster Abbey.

This year’s event has love as its theme and in her Christmas
message, the Princess says ”at its heart, Christmas speaks of
love taking form in the simplest, most human ways. Not in
sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of
listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping
hand, presence.”

And Kate continues ”these simple acts of care might seem
small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to
which we all belong. Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply
our lives are woven together.”

The letter will be given to all 1,600 people attending the carol
service which has become a regular tradition for the Princess of
Wales.

This year’s celebration will include music from Cornish folk
group, The Fishermen’s Friends, as well as performances from Hannah
Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff and Katie Melua.

Readings will be given by Prince William as well as Chiwetel
Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé, Joe Locke and Kate Winslet. All the
words chosen reflect on the themes of love, connection and
compassion.

There will also be a focus in the service on the stories of some
of those invited who are leading by their own examples to create a
more caring society.

In a special moment, candles will be lit around the Abbey by
some of the people that the Prince and Princess of Wales have met
in the past year.

William and Kate are expected to be joined by their three
children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and 7 year old
Prince Louis. Members of the Royal Family will also be in the
congregation.

A poignant welcome awaits them all as members of Future Talent,
a charity co-founded by the Duchess of Kent, to support musically
gifted children from low income backgrounds will be playing as
guests approach the Abbey.

All those attending will walk in through a specially created
display of native British trees, interspersed with foliage, that is
being designed for the Abbey by horticulturist Jamie
Butterworth.

Inside, the Abbey will be decorated with wreaths designed by The
Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett.

And there will also be a ”Connection Tree”, supported by
Hobbycraft, where guests can add a looped piece of paper on which
they write a name of a person who is special to them.

Together at Christmas is organised by the Princess of Wales
alongside The Royal Foundation. This year, fifteen community carol
services will also be held throughout the UK.