The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey this week – and honoured guests have received a sweet letter penned by the Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales has encouraged people to “turn to love, not fear” in a sweet letter written to guests of her upcoming Christmas concert.

Kate, 42, has made only a handful of public appearances in 2024 after a difficult year in which she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer. Her chemotherapy treatment ended in September and she has begun to make a gradually return to royal duties.

Next week is her annual festive event at Westminster Abbey, which she has been working towards. Honoured guests, who include survivors of the Southport stabbings earlier this year, were sent special letters written by Kate, MailOnline reported. She wrote: “I am so delighted you’re able to join this Carol Service. I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

The letter written to guests

Kate during last year’s concert ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It 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. 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.

“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.

Kate in her video she posted earlier this year talking of her cancer ( 
Image:
BBC Studios via Getty Images)

“Above all else it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love 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 is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love something we can offer one another. Gentle words or a receptive car, an arm around an exhausted the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”

Kate’s invitation to the child survivors of the Southport stabbings comes after the she made a surprise visit with her husband William to meet the bereaved families of the victims in Southport last month. The royal couple met privately with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 in Southport, as well as the children’s dance teacher.

Kensington Palace said Kate, who honoured the war dead at Remembrance events earlier this month, wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy.