Kate Middleton’s touching gesture to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor at Christmas Eve carol live performance – as royals launch new photographs from the occasion

The Princess of Wales reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor for help in planning her carol concert.

Kate, 42, made her appeal over the summer to Lady Gabriella, 43, whose husband Thomas Kingston killed himself in February.

Lady Gabriella, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, took a major role in planning the Westminster Abbey service on December 6.

Her financier husband, 45, who she married in 2019, shot himself dead at his parents’ Cotswolds home after an adverse reaction to anti-depressant medication.

Lady Gabriella was said to be a ‘real member of the carol service team’ and influential in choosing the musical performances.

As a singer-songwriter who has previously released a charity single she brought her expertise to the concert.

An insider said she ‘enjoyed her role within the service and was excited to be a part of it’, while the Princess was ‘incredibly grateful for her contribution’.

A friend added: ‘She was very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert. She felt honoured.’

One of Lady Gabriella’s personal touches was helping to engage youth charity Restore the Music, who played to guests as they queued to enter the service.

Polly Moore, CEO of Restore the Music, said: ‘Lady Gabriella is incredibly passionate about music and helping young people find their voice.

‘She has been an ambassador for us for the past five years and often attends our events.

‘When she messaged to ask if I would be interested I said, “Are you kidding, of course!”

‘She was incredibly approachable and a brilliant sounding board in the planning process. She’s the most wonderful person. I’m extremely grateful to her.’

Lady Gabriella helped choose singer Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan to perform a specially-composed lyrical piece that was played alongside a poem read by actress Sophie Okonedo.

The Princess of Wales has further shared a heartfelt Christmas message calling for Britons to turn to ‘love, not fear’ before her annual carol concert airs on Christmas Eve. 

The Princess of Wales, 42, hosted her fourth ‘Together at Christmas‘ service at the historic church in the heart of London at the start of December.

This was one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy in the first half of 2024.

The Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo the gruelling treatment.    

But months later, Kate has begun to return to public life and held her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.

The broadcast will open with a special Christmas message from the Princess of Wales, who will urge Britons to ‘slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all’.

Her message on the importance of love and empathy was given in a letter to every guest at the Westminster Abbey service on December 6, and 15 regional community services.

She will say: ‘Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time 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. 

‘The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. 

‘Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.’

The theme of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps suitable considering the difficult year the Princess of Wales has had. 

Kate will say: ‘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. 

‘It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives. 

‘Across the United Kingdom there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. 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.’

The mother-of-three concludes by wishing those watching a ‘very Merry Christmas’.

Her message will be a voice over played at the start of the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

After this, the broadcast of her annual festive gathering will be narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald and ‘feature three special community films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need’.

Kensington Palace said: ‘In each of the films, the groups are seen receiving letters from the princess inviting them to attend – and in the case of the Sankofa Songsters sing at – the service at Westminster Abbey.’

The films will showcase the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Beyond Cornwall and intergenerational choir the Sankofa Songsters.

The first –  focusing on the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group – will highlight a single mother based in Worcestershire, who set up the ground to tackle loneliness.

The film showcasing Beyond Cornwall will feature six young carers aged between eight and 13, who ‘go above and beyond every day to show empathy and support to their families’.

And the last will detail an intergenerational choir based in Belong Chester. This not-for-profit care village brings together care home residents and their young friends from The Nursery in Belong, operated by national charity Ready Generations.

Kensington Palace says the choir has ‘enhanced the lives of everyone, strengthening relationships between all ages by spreading kindness and love, with members aged from two to 100.’