Princess Kate’s star-studded Christmas carol service kicks off as royal fans gather to watch her special message of hope

Princess Kate's star-studded Christmas carol concert has kicked off, as royal fans gather to watch her message of hope tonight.

The Princess of Wales called on people to “slow down and think about the deeper things that connect us all” and turn to “love, not fear” as she opened the televised service.

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Their fourth annual Christmas bash together at Westminster Abbey was filmed earlier this month, with husband Prince William and children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis in attendance.

It will include performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, and singer-songwriter JB Cooper, along with the Soul Sanctuary Choir and new singing talent Olivia Dean.

Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in recent weeks, lit a candle, as did the wife of the late rugby league star Rob Burrow, who died in June after a battle with motor neurone disease.

Readings will also be given by actors Richard E. Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Olympic swimming gold medalist Adam Peaty.

However, Kate, 42, is understood to have turned down scandal-hit Royal Prince Andrew's invitation to the party.

The Prince and Princess of Wales do not want the Duke of York to attend their public events and have reportedly rejected a suggestion to seat him behind a column.

backstage

Meanwhile, earlier today, Kate gave a sweet message after sharing behind-the-scenes snaps from the ceremony.

In a video, she is seen beaming as she greets the children in an unseen montage.

Today's Instagram post for the Welsh said: “This service reflects the importance of love and compassion, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times in our lives.

“Thank you to everyone who was part of this year’s celebrations.”

It comes after Kate began returning to public duties after announcing she was cancer-free in September.

She officially returned to work last month when Join William for Annual Anniversary Festival At the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, London.

Then earlier this month she met Qatar's royal family during a two-day state visit to the UK.

Her heartfelt message was included in a message distributed to each guest during the party on December 6, before being shared as a video ahead of the Christmas Eve broadcast.

It was played as a voiceover at the start of ITV's coverage this evening.

Kate said: “Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, a time of gifts, decorations and mince pies, but also a time to slow down and think about the deeper things that connect us all.

“When we pause and distance ourselves from the stresses of everyday life, we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and tolerance, which is what the Christmas spirit is all about.

“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving compassion, as well as how much we need each other despite our differences. Above and all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.”

Kate continued: “The love we show ourselves and the love we show others.

“Love that listens with empathy, love that kindles and understands, love that forgives, love that brings joy and hope.

“Love is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.”

The service includes narration by Scottish actress Kelly MacDonald – known for the films Trainspotting and No Country for Old Men.

It will also “screen three special community films that bring to life the stories of people and organizations who have inspired, counseled and comforted others in their times of need.”

Kensington Palace said: “In each film, the groups are shown receiving letters from the Princess inviting them to attend – and in the case of the Sankofa Songsters – the service at Westminster Abbey.”

The films will feature the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond and the inter-generational Sankofa Songsters Choir.

The first highlights a single mother based in Worcestershire, who set up the group to tackle loneliness.

Go Beyond welcomes six young caregivers, ages 8 to 13, who “do their best every day to show compassion and support to their families.”

Sankofa Songsters features an intergenerational choir that brings together care home residents and their little friends.

Kensington Palace said the choir “enhanced everyone's lives, strengthening relationships between all ages by spreading kindness and love, with its members ranging in age from two to 100 years old.”

Helping hand

Kate reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor, 43, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, to help plan the concert.

The Princess made contact over the summer after Lady Gabriella's husband Thomas Kingston, 45, died in February.

She continues to play a key role in service delivery.

One of Ms Gabriella's personal touches was helping to get youth charity Restore the Music involved, which played for guests as they lined up to enter the service.

Polly Moore, CEO of Restore the Music, said: “Dame Gabriella is incredibly passionate about music and helping young people find their voices.

“She has been our ambassador for the past five years and often attends our events. When she messaged to ask if I was interested, I said: 'Are you kidding of course!'

“She was incredibly approachable and was a wonderful sounding board in the planning process. She is the most amazing person. I am so grateful to her.”

Lady Gabriella also helped select singer Gregory Porter and pianist Rosie Chan to perform a specially composed piece played alongside a poem read by Ms Okonedo.

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