PRINCESS Kate’s star-studded Christmas carol concert has kicked off as royal fans gather to watch her special message of hope tonight.

The Princess of Wales called for people to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all” and turn to “love, not fear” as she opened the televised service.

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The fourth annual Together at Christmas concert was filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, with husband Prince William and children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis in attendance.

It will feature performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper, alongside the Soul Sanctuary Choir, and new singing talent Olivia Dean.

Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed he has terminal prostrate cancer in recent weeks, lit a candle, as did wife of late rugby league star Rob Burrow, who died in June following a battle with motor neurone disease.

Readings will also be given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.

However, Kate, 42, is understood to have refused to invite scandal-hit royal Prince Andrew to the bash.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly not keen to have the disgraced Duke of York at their public events – and rejected a proposal to have him seated behind a pillar, it is claimed.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Meanwhile, earlier today Kate gave a sweet message after sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the concert.

In a video she could be seen beaming as she greeted children in an unseen montage.

A post from the Waleses’ Instagram today said: “This service reflects upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year’s celebrations.”

It comes after Kate began easing back into public duties after announcing she was cancer-free in September.

She officially returned to work last month when she joined William for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, London.

Then earlier this month she met Qatar’s Royal Family during a two-day state visit to the UK.

Her heartfelt message was included in a letter handed out to every guest during the concert on December 6, before being shared as a video clip ahead of the Christmas Eve broadcast.

It played as a voice over at the beginning of ITV’s coverage this evening.

Kate said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, 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. 

“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.”

Kate continued: “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.”

The service is featuring a narration by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald – known for films Trainspotting and No Country for Old Men.

It will also “feature three special community films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need”.

Kensington Palace said: “In each of the films, the groups are seen receiving letters from the princess inviting them to attend – and in the case of the Sankofa Songsters sing at – the service at Westminster Abbey.”

The films will showcase the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond and intergenerational choir the Sankofa Songsters.

The first highlights a single mum based in Worcestershire, who set up the group to tackle loneliness.

Go Beyond sees six young carers, aged between eight and 13, who “go above and beyond every day to show empathy and support to their families”.

Sankofa Songsters features an intergenerational choir which brings together care home residents and their young friends.

Kensington Palace said the choir has “enhanced the lives of everyone, strengthening relationships between all ages by spreading kindness and love, with members aged from two to 100”.

HELPING HAND

Kate reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor, 43 – daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent – for help in planning the concert.

The princess made contact over the summer after Lady Gabriella’s husband Thomas Kingston, 45, died in February.

She went on to play a major role in putting on the service.

One of Lady Gabriella’s personal touches was helping to engage youth charity Restore the Music, who played to guests as they queued to enter the service.

Polly Moore, CEO of Restore the Music, said: “Lady Gabriella is incredibly passionate about music and helping young people find their voice.

“She has been an ambassador for us for the past five years and often attends our events. When she messaged to ask if I would be interested I said, ‘Are you kidding, of course!’

“She was incredibly approachable and a brilliant sounding board in the planning process. She’s the most wonderful person. I’m extremely grateful to her.”

Lady Gabriella also helped select singer Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan to perform a specially-composed lyrical piece that was played alongside a poem read by Ms Okonedo.

Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery

Jan 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

Jan 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery

Jan 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside

Jan 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week

Jan 29: Kate leaves hospital

Feb 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

Mar 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos

June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”

June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade

June 15: Kate beams as she joins her family at the annual Trooping the Colour event

July 14: The royal attends Wimbledon with sister Pippa and Princess Charlotte to hand out trophies to players

July 15: Kate shares a touching photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching England in the Euro 2024 final

August 11: She joins a bearded Prince William in a video to congratulate Team GB in the Olympics

September 9: Kate reveals her treatment for cancer has finished

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