Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, arrived at the abbey ahead of her family. She was greeted by the clergy and also mingled with some of the artists and celebrities taking part in the service, as well as other guests at the ceremony on Saturday.
The abbey was decorated with festive wreaths with red ribbons, as well as Christmas trees from the Great Windsor Park, donated by King Charles III.
The media reported that Kate wrote a touching letter of love and sympathy, which was handed out to everyone in attendance. The Princess wrote of vulnerability and empathy and that “in times of joy and sorrow, we are all a light to each other.”
Recognising the difficulties the Princess and her family have faced since she was diagnosed with cancer, the Princess wrote that “love is a light that can shine brightly even in the darkest of times.”
The event at Westminster Abbey will be televised in the UK on Christmas Eve as part of a special programme called “Together at Christmas.”
Kate’s refusal to attend public events
Kate Middleton has stopped participating in public events since November 2023, and in January 2024 it was publicly announced that she had undergone elective abdominal surgery.
At the end of March, the Princess of Wales published a video message in which she announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was scheduled for chemotherapy.
Kate has gradually returned to public appearances over the past few months. In mid-June, she took part in a ceremony to mark the birthday of King Charles III, making her first public appearance since her illness became known.
While 76-year-old King Charles continues treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, 77-year-old Queen Camilla is recovering from lingering side effects after suffering from pneumonia.
