The Princess of Wales’ annual carol service will feature a bespoke illustration by Charlie Mackesy, celebrating themes of love and kindness after a difficult year.
Kate, 42, who announced a measured return to public life after completing preventive chemotherapy in September, will perform her televised Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
The event, which will be attended by 1,600 people – including members of the royal family, will “reflect on… how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.”
An illustration by British artist Mackesy – who embodies the service’s themes of kindness, love and empathy – will feature on the Order of Service.
The image shows a snowy scene with a group of people walking arm in arm towards Westminster Abbey, accompanied by the words ‘How did I help? You were by my side, and that was all.”
Mackesy is known for his best-selling book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse – which was published in 2019 and celebrates themes of kindness and friendship.
He said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.
‘Themed for The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to be 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.”
The Princess of Wales, 42, returns to host her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey – after a challenging year for the royal family
In addition to the Order of Service, each guest receives a special letter from the Princess thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those in need, stating: ‘Love is the light that can shine brightly, even in our darkest times. ‘.
Over the past year, the Princess has returned to public duties after treatment for cancer, while the King remains under the care of cancer specialists. The service aims to provide a moment of reflection on the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times. time.
Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle; as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow – who died in June after a highly publicized battle with motor neurone disease.
Lectures, linked to the theme of love and empathy, will be made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars, including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey actor Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo -, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
Invited guests include those who have supported others, either on a personal level with friends and family or through their work or volunteer work.
Names have been nominated by charities linked to the Royal Family, and by Lord Lieutenants, the King’s representatives in counties across the UK.
The Middleton family, who are said to have been a great support to Kate during her illness, are usually present – and last year Kate and William brought along Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
This will be the fourth time that Kate has performed her Together At Christmas song service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation.
The cover for the Order of Service was designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and carries a powerful message of hope – as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year
The festive event will be broadcast as part of the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas programme, airing on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.
Ahead of her Together at Christmas concert, Kate shared a behind-the-scenes video of her preparations for it.
Footage shared on the royal family’s X account showed the piece of paper being wrapped in an envelope and sent through the letterbox.
‘Invitations are well underway for our Together at Christmas Carol Service!’ the caption read, as a seasonal jingle played in the background.
‘Bringing together inspiring people from across Britain, @wabbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their community, on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or by selflessly giving up their time through volunteering . ‘
As in previous years, William will support his wife at the concert and plans to give a lecture on the theme of ‘love and empathy’.
It is believed a decision will likely be made on that day whether Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, will attend the service.
In previous years, other members of the royal family have expressed their support, although King Charles and Queen Camilla are not expected to attend this year’s service.
As King Charles, 76, continues treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, Queen Camilla, 77, is recovering from the “lingering” side effects of what we now know to be a nasty case of pneumonia.