Princess Kate’s carol concert takes place tomorrow night (Image: Getty/Charlie Mackesy)
has unveiled the front cover of the Order of Service for her annual Christmas carol service, after teaming up with illustrator Charlie Mackesy.
The Princess of Wales, 42, will host her ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service tomorrow night at Westminster Abbey, where she is expected to be joined by her husband and three children.
This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.
Kensington Palace said the service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.
It comes after the princess revealed she had completed her cancer treatment at the end of the summer and has been gradually easing herself back into royal duties.
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Mr Mackesy’s beautiful illustrations and inspirational quotes have provided comfort to people around the world, especially during difficult times.
In 2019, he published his book ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ which highlights the importance of kindness and friendship to us all. It was adapted into a short film in 2022, which won an Oscar for Best Animated Short.
The Queen chose to open her book club, the Queen’s Reading Room, with Mr Mackesy’s book when she launched the venture during lockdown.
He has since attended several engagements with her, and Camilla sent her congratulations after his Academy Award win in 2023.
Mr Mackesy shares new drawings to mark key events and deaths, such as the recent passing of MND campaigner , Dame Maggie Smith and Paul O Grady, on his account which has almost two million followers.
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Princess Kate attended the ceremonial welcome on Tuesday (Image: Getty)
His illustration for Kate’s Order of Service features a group of people embracing each other as they walk towards Westminster Abbey in the snow, with the words, ‘How did I help?’ ‘You were by my side. Which was everything.’
The words embody the theme of the Carol Service and the power of providing support to someone simply through being by their side when they need it most.
Kensington Palace commissioned the drawing, but Kate is understood to have been heavily involved with the planning for the event.
Tomorrow night, 1,600 people who have supported others, either on a personal level with friends and family or through their work or volunteering, will fill Westminster Abbey.
They will be joined by members of The Royal Family and recognisable faces who in their own ways have shown how love can help others thrive.
For the first time, guests will also receive a special letter from Kate, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.
Princess Kate attended with her three children last year (Image: Getty)
The princess wrote: “This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other.
“Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”
During the service, readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
A handful of guests linked to the theme have also been chosen to light candles, which includes Lindsey Burrow, the widow of MND campaigner who died in June and Sir Chris Hoy MBE, who has incurable prostate cancer.
The event, which is supported by The Royal Foundation, will be filmed and broadcast as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.