Kate holds Westminster Abbey carol service with cancer patients as William speaks of ‘those who walked in darkness’
6 December 2024, 16:33 | Updated: 6 December 2024, 18:49
The Princess of Wales is holding a carol service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate Christmas with selfless individuals who have supported others.
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Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing a festive red coat and a broad smile for her annual Christmas carol service.
The Princess of Wales has been hosting her annual carol service at Westminster Abbey for the past four years.
She chatted outside Westminster Abbey, where she was met by clergy in front of a row of Christmas trees decorated with glittering white lights.
Among the celebrities who gathered in the 1,600-strong congregation were several people who have been suffered from cancer or who have lost loved ones, including Strictly star Amy Dowden Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy with his wife Sarra, and actress Michelle Dockery.
Kate had travelled ahead of her family to meet and thank other celebrities taking part including singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith and actor Richard E Grant, who gave a reading.
It marks another sign of her recovery after she spent a difficult year battling cancer.
She was wearing a festive red coat featuring a large black bow on the collar and black buttons by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, paired with black Ralph Lauren boots.
Kate was later joined by her family.
Prince William was due to read a lesson that read: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them, light has shined.
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The princess is also due to chat to those giving the readings including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
Love and empathy are the themes of this year's event which will celebrate individuals who have supported others.
Other guests include a teenager who sends letters of support to cancer patients, and the first man to run the London Marathon with an oxygen machine.
The families of the Southport stabbing victims will also attend the service.
The 1,600 guests have all supported others, whether friends or family, helped individuals through their work or volunteered.
Taking her seat in Westminster Abbey will be 18-year-old Olivia Bowditch from Dorset.
She volunteers at a charity called From Me To You Letters which sends anonymous messages to cancer patients to make them feel loved and supported.
She has been a volunteer for a number of years and wanted to help people experiencing cancer feel less lonely.
Ms Bowditch sent a letter to Kate earlier this year, sharing her support and telling her about the charity and her volunteer work.
Shyla Brown, nine, from Cambridgeshire, who has raised more than £2,000 walking marathons, running bake sales and cycling 100 miles around Wisbech, will also be among the congregation.
Her best friend at primary school, Harrison, and his brother suffer from the degenerative Batten disease - a lifelong condition affecting sight, memory and physical ability.
All the money raised went to Harrison's family.
Diven Halai, who lives with interstitial lung disease, will also be at the abbey.
