Catherine, Princess of Wales, penned a touching letter ahead of her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
On social media, the official Instagram for Prince William and the former Kate Middleton shared a preview of a “special letter” written by the princess on Nov. 30.
The letter, which was obtained by Sky News, reflected on “the importance of love, empathy and how much we need one another in the most difficult times.”
Kate began the note by reflecting on how Christmas is one of her “favourite times of the year,” adding that the season is a “time for celebration and joy” while also giving everyone 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,” she wrote.
Kate wrote that the Christmas story is about “the importance of giving and receiving empathy” as well as demonstrating “how much we need each other in spite of our differences.”
“Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear,” she added. “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.”
She expressed that love is “the greatest gift we can receive,” not just during the holidays, but every single day.
“Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times,” she wrote. “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.”
Kate concluded the letter on a positive note, encouraging everyone to “shine for each other,” adding, “Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”
The letter will be distributed to each guest who attends the “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, in addition to the 15 Community Carol Services located across the U.K., to thank them for what they do for those around them.
This year marks Kate’s fourth time hosting the annual event, according to a statement released on Nov. 13 by Westminster Abbey.
The service will include attendees from the 1,600 person congregation, as well as members of the royal family. Musical performances for the evening include the Abbey Choir, Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, and more.
Kate’s letter comes after a difficult year for the royal family, including two separate cancer diagnoses.
In February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. After undergoing “planned abdominal surgery” in January, Kate announced in a video statement in March that she was in the “early stages” of preventive chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with cancer.
She announced in September that she had completed her chemotherapy, calling the previous nine months “incredibly tough” as a family in a statement on X.
In November, William said that 2024 was “dreadful” and was “probably been the hardest year in my life,” according to Sky News.