It’s been revealed that the Princess of Wales asked Lady Gabriella Windsor, whose husband died earlier this year, for her help to plan her annual carol service.
During the summer, Kate invited Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, to join her team organising her annual Together at Christmas event at Westminster Abbey.
The heart-warming gesture was very much in tune with the overall theme of the service, recognising those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities.
Speaking of Lady Gabriella’s reaction, a friend said she felt “honoured” and “very touched and grateful to the princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert”.
Kate is understood to have been incredibly grateful for her contribution.
Lady Gabriella’s husband, financier Thomas Kingston, died on 25 February from a head injury and a gun was found near his body at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
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In October a coroner concluded he took his own life and during the inquest his widow warned about the effects of drugs used to treat mental health problems after the hearing was told Mr Kingston was prescribed drugs following complaints of trouble sleeping following stress at work.
Lady Gabriella, also known as Ella to her friends, supported Kate and played an advisory role with the organising team around the music performances that featured during the service.
The carol service took place on 6 December, with Kate joined by Prince William and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who all held candles during the service, as did the other guests in the congregation.
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The service, shown on television on Christmas Eve, will start with a recorded voiceover from the Princess, featuring extracts from a letter given out alongside this year’s order of service.
She will say: “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 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.”
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Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, lit a candle, as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.
Readings were given by Prince William and actors Richard E Grant, Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, and Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.
The service will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, and will also feature three films about people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
