Before the Princess of Wales’ carol concert returns, a leading royal expert explains why it will be the latest in a long line of chances for Kate Middleton to express her emotions
The Princess of Wales’ return to the spotlight this month revealed just how important the values of family, friendship and love have been to her throughout this year. It was those key principles that ran as an emotional undercurrent throughout her two appearances at Remembrance events last weekend, which honoured the nation’s servicemen and women, while also serving as the inspiration behind Kate Middleton’s next big move.
Royal fans rejoiced when more details of the fourth annual Together at Christmas carol concert were released with the Princess deciding to make this year’s theme “the importance of love and empathy and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.”
It’s a fitting way to sum up what has transpired for the Wales family over the past twelve months, as former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explains why Kate’s concert will be the light at the end of an extremely challenging year.
“This carol concert is Catherine’s way of thanking all those who have supported her and shown her kindness – and of course she is broadening it out to include everyone in society who is going through tough times, and everyone who is lending their help and support to others,” Jennie exclusively tells OK!
“I think it’s lovely that the congregation will be largely made up of people who’ve helped or been helped. And I think this is why she picked this theme for the concert. It is very much her event and her opportunity to make it a platform for what she wants us all to focus on.”
On the return of the service, which is supported by the Royal Foundation, Kensington Palace notes: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive. This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.”
With such a touching message at the heart of this year’s concert, it is clear to see that the Princess’ passion for doing good is just as strong now as ever. “Throughout her illness, Catherine has made a point of making it not just about her, but all those suffering cancer or other illnesses,” Jennie adds.
Kate’s idea of bringing together communities during the festive period has always been heralded as a success and has served as the catalyst to encourage her to confidently step out on her own and pursue her own interests.
“It has become an occasion when we see quite a large turnout of the Royal Family, which really marks the beginning of the royal Christmas,” the expert explains. “In a way I think the concert was the springboard for Kate to be seen as her own woman, launching solo projects and concentrating on causes and issues in which she’s personally invested.
“It’s one of those evenings when the rest of the royal family take a back seat. This is Kate’s baby, and Kate’s night. William always looks as if he is bursting with pride when his wife takes centre stage – which she now does with confidence.”
The news that the concert will return on Friday, 6 December was teased on social media with a clip of invitations featuring the Princess’ gold cypher being printed. And, while the famous faces who will perform and give readings during the service are yet to be confirmed, it is understood that they will be people who, in their own ways, have shown how love can help others thrive.
“This concert has been something for Catherine to focus on as she continues her recovery,” Jennie points out. “And, just as we were told that the King’s recent tour was a real fillip for him, this concert will undoubtedly be a boost for her confidence as she slowly returns to the public arena.
“It’s a date that many of her family, on both sides, will not want to miss. And I’m sure they will make it as big a family event as possible. It will also be a chance for the children to see mum back in action, looking well and happy. And that will be the best Christmas present they could hope for.”
With the devoted help of her family and friends, Kate would not have been short of people to turn to for an empathetic shoulder or a few words of comfort during her cancer battle – and the public was offered a glimpse at who one of her greatest supporters would have been during the Remembrance Sunday service on Sunday, 10 November.
“At the weekend, we saw Sophie, with a simple hand on Catherine’s back, showing us all how the family are helping to shepherd her gently back into public life,” Jennie says.
“They exchanged a few words on the balcony – but they are aware of lip readers so would have kept this very bland – but in private I’m sure all the family would have had words of encouragement for Catherine. This was a big deal… two very public and important engagements on successive days. I’m sure she and the King would have had a very special hug after the Cenotaph service.”
Prince William recently admitted that he and his family have had a “brutal” year, which was an unusual move, according to Jennie. “You get the feeling that after so many weeks of silence in the early period of her treatment, Catherine and William are letting all their emotions out – in a way so very few royals have in the past,” Jennie says poignantly. “They are making no bones about the fact that this past year has shaken them to the core and that the support of the family has been central to getting them through it.”
With the vital tenants of kindness and empathy being the driving forces that will bring 2024 to a close, there is little doubt that the next twelve months will be altogether brighter for the couple, as well as seeing the return of some more royal visits and foreign tours.
“This new openness about all they have been through is in line with William’s very telling remark on how he wants to do things’,” Jennie praises. “I think that’s a brilliant statement and just what a modern monarchy needs. Enough of this bowing and curtseying, let’s have a 21st century Prince who people can relate to, interact with and not be shy around. He’s just a bloke using his position in life to try to make a difference.
“It’s the clearest statement so far that William does want to be a different kind of monarch. We have all suggested that this was his intention, but now we have heard it from William himself. He wants to put his own stamp on how things are done and I think we’ll see a lot less of traditions and a lot less of doing things in a certain way because that’s how they’ve always been done. He’s a Prince and will one day be a King of his generation, that is exactly what we need and good on William for saying it so clearly.”