Princess Kate Middleton expressed the importance of love, kindness and forgiveness amid a challenging year for her family.
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The Princess of Wales teased a letter in an Instagram post over the weekend that shows two blurry photos of typed pages that ended with the Royal’s signature.
“A special letter, reflecting on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need one another in the most difficult times,” she captioned the post.
The note was a preview of what those who are attending the annual Together at Christmas Carol Service can expect. Kate founded the event four years ago.
The concert, which is broadcast across the U.K. on Christmas Eve, features carols sung by the Westminster Abbey choir, as well as celebrity performers.
Kate noted Christmas is “a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”
She added: “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.”
Kate said that the story of Christmas “encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” and also “reflects our 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.”
She added in her message: “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.”
It has been a challenging year for the Royal Family, as Kate and King Charles have both struggled with health issues.
Aside from the odd appearance, the princess has spent much of 2024 behind closed doors following her abdominal surgery in January, her subsequent cancer diagnosis and her treatment.
Her father-in-law was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, while Charles’ treatment is ongoing.
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Kate’s comments could also be a reflection of the ongoing rift between the royals and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, though given how rough 2024 has been for the princess, husband Prince William and their three children, her note seems to cover all the bases.
“It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives,” said her message
This year, the event will “celebrate the many people supporting those in need — individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.