Lady Gabriella Windsor 'touched' by Kate's invite to help with carol service
The Princess of Wales called on her friend Lady Gabriella Windsor to help organise her Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, who was touched to have been asked
by Antony Clements-Thrower · The MirrorLady Gabriella Windsor, whose husband was found dead earlier this year, was “touched” when Princess Kate asked her to help plan her carol service.
A host of stars and special guests attended her Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey on December 6. It featured performances by Paloma Faith and jazz singer Gregory Porter, while terminally ill Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy and Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow, lit candles.
During the summer Kate invited Lady Gabriella to join her team organising her annual event following the loss of her husband, financier Thomas Kingston in February. A source said about Lady Gabriella: “She was very touched and grateful to the princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and that she felt honoured to do so.”
Kate is understood to have been incredibly grateful for her contribution. Lady Gabriella, also known as Ella to her friends, supported Kate and played an advisory role with the organising team around the music performances that featured during the service.
Readings were given by 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 gold medallist Adam Peaty.
The service will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, and will feature three films about the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
Kate has recorded a voiceover for the start of the programme, reading extracts from a letter she wrote about love and empathy that was included with the event’s order of service.
She will say: “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.
“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.”
Kate and William were joined by their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six, who all held candles during the service, as did the other guests who included members of the monarchy.