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The Princess of Wales has sent a Christmas message about the importance of acts of kindness in times that can seem “fragmented or uncertain”, in a letter to guests attending her carol concert in Westminster Abbey on Friday.<\/p>\n
“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others,” writes Catherine.<\/p>\n
Alongside members of the Royal Family, the 1,600 guests will include volunteers and people who have helped local communities.<\/p>\n
Traditional Christmas carols will be sung in the specially decorated Abbey, with readings and music from performers including Hannah Waddingham and Kate Winslet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
“At its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways,” write Catherine in her letter to guests.<\/p>\n
“Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.”<\/p>\n
Last month she gave her first public speech in two years, as she gradually recovers after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.<\/p>\n
While guests are waiting to get inside Westminster Abbey, they will hear music from young people supported by the the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent, who died this autumn.<\/p>\n
The duchess, who taught music in a state primary school, wanted to provide wider access to music lessons to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, to support families where a child has a terminal illness.<\/p>\n
Also attending will be Saphia Turner, aged nine, the winner of the BBC’s Make a Difference Young Hero Award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for food banks.<\/p>\n
“As the year draws to a close, I hope this season brings you moments of peace and clarity, and that you too, feel surrounded by the same love and care that you offer so freely,” writes Catherine.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Tuesday, MPs on the Public Accounts Committee published information about royal leases, including Prince William and Catherine’s new home, Forest Lodge in Windsor.<\/p>\n
It showed they had a 20-year lease with the Crown Estate, with the couple paying a market rent, determined by independent valuers.<\/p>\n