'Turn to love, not fear': Kate releases powerful message in video ahead of Christmas TV event

The Princess of Wales has released a special Christmas message after a challenging year.

Catherine recorded the message as part of a voiceover introduction to the TV broadcast of her Together at Christmas carol service that was held earlier this month.

In the recording, Catherine, 42, expressed the importance of slowing down and embracing love, kindness and forgiveness.

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"Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies," she says.

"But it's also a time 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."

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Inside Kate's Together at Christmas carol service for 2024

"The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others," she continues.

"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.

"It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives."

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Catherine's carol service set to be broadcast this week after being recorded on Friday 6 December.

She held the annual event at Westminster Abbey, making it the fourth time she has fronted the event.

The words in Catherine's recording come from the letter she wrote to the 1600 people in attendance at her service and guests of 15 other community services across the UK.

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For the event, Catherine was joined by Prince William and her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Princess Beatrice was also in attendance with her husband.

Others at the annual event included actress Hannah Waddingham and singer Paloma faith.

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With Catherine took a step back from public duties as she navigated her year-long battle and recovery from cancer, the Christmas event marked her sixth public appearance for the year.

Her attendance at the event came after she began a slow return to official duties in October following the completion of chemotherapy.

Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in March following abdominal surgery in January. She withdrew from the public to undergo treatment and all of her official duties either cancelled or put on hold.

She has made a handful of public appearances in 2024: Trooping the Colour in June, Wimbledon in July, a visit to Southport in October, joined the royal family for the Festival of Remembrance, followed by Remembrance Sunday commemorationslast month and, of course, this month's carol service.

The Princess has also attended a few private meetings inside Windsor Castle.

Of the carol service, the Palace said it intended to "shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.

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