The Princess of Wales invited Lady Gabriella Windsor to help plan her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with the royal accepting a key role in organising this year’s Together at Christmas event.
Kate, 42, reached out to Lady Gabriella over the summer to join her team in creating the festive service, which took place on December 6.
A source revealed Lady Gabriella was “very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert”.
Lady Gabriella, who is a singer-songwriter herself, took on an advisory role focusing on the musical performances featured in the service.
The Princess of Wales invited Lady Gabriella Windsor to help plan her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey
Getty
One of her personal touches included engaging youth charity Restore the Music, who performed for guests as they queued to enter the Abbey.
She helped select performers including Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan, who delivered a specially-composed piece alongside a poem read by actress Sophie Okonedo.
Polly Moore, CEO of Restore the Music, praised Lady Gabriella’s contribution, saying: “She was incredibly approachable and a brilliant sounding board in the planning process.”
The invitation came during a difficult year for Lady Gabriella, who tragically lost her husband Thomas Kingston in February.
Lady Gabriella took on an advisory role focusing on the musical performances featured in the service
Getty
Kingston, 45, died from a head injury at his parents’ Cotswolds home, with an inquest later revealing it followed an adverse reaction to medication.
Just days before attending the carol service, Lady Gabriella had been present at the inquest into her husband’s death at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court.
Kate is understood to have been incredibly grateful for Lady Gabriella’s contribution to the concert despite her personal circumstances.
The service featured performances from acclaimed artists including Paloma Faith and jazz singer Gregory Porter.
The Princess was joined by Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, who all held candles during the service
Getty
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Readings were delivered by actors Richard E Grant, Michelle Dockery and Sophie Okonedo, alongside Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
Kate has recorded a special Christmas message for the broadcast, emphasising the importance of love and empathy.
In her message, she says: “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others… Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.”
The Princess was joined by Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, who all held candles during the service.
The service will be broadcast as “Royal Carols: Together At Christmas” on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve, with a repeat showing on Christmas Day at 6:00am.