Kate Middleton leaves little-known royal touched with invite after family tragedy

Kate Middleton has left a lesser-known royal incredibly touched with a poignant move ahead of her Christmas carol concert. Kate, who is married to Prince William, has invited fellow Royal Family member Lady Gabriella Windsor to help plan her annual concert.

The Christmas carol concert took place earlier this month, on the evening of December 6, at Westminster Abbey, with Lady Gabriella - who lost her husband earlier this year - handed a key role in organising this year's Together at Christmas event.

The 42-year-old mum-of-three reached out to Lady Gabriella over the summer to join her team in creating the festive service. A source revealed Lady Gabriella was "very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert".

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Lady Gabriella took on an advisory role focusing on the musical performances featured in the service. Polly Moore, CEO of Restore the Music, praised Lady Gabriella's contribution, saying: "She was incredibly approachable and a brilliant sounding board in the planning process."

The 1,600-strong congregation all held candles during the service that will be broadcast by ITV on Christmas Eve. The world-renowned Abbey Choir performed a number of carols and the event featured performances by Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean, and singer-songwriter JP Cooper who performed alongside the Soul Sanctuary Choir.

Readings were given by actor Richard E Grant, Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty and Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery. The event will be airing on December 24, later this week, having been pre-recorded in early December.

Kate has recorded a special Christmas message for the broadcast, emphasising the importance of love and empathy. In her message, she says: "The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others... Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear."