The Princess of Wales has called for people to 'slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all' and turn to 'love, not fear' in the opening for her annual carol concert.
Airing on ITV on Christmas Eve, the broadcast of Kate's service will open with a special festive message from the royal, 42, in which she talks about the importance of love and empathy.
Kate hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas' concert at Westminster Abbey at the start of December, with members of the royal family such as Prince William and the Wales children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in attendance.
It marked one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy in the first half of 2024.
Her heartfelt message - which was given in a letter to every guest at the concert on December 6, and 15 regional community services - has now been shared in a clip from the upcoming broadcast.
Kate says: '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.'
The theme of this year's 'Together at Christmas' concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps suitable considering the difficult year the Princess has had.
Kate continues: '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.'
Her message will be a voice over played at the start of the 'Together at Christmas' carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
After this, the broadcast of her annual festive gathering will be narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald and '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, Beyond Cornwall and intergenerational choir the Sankofa Songsters.
Kate hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas' concert at Westminster Abbey at the start of December, with members of the royal family such as Prince William and the Wales children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in attendance.
The Princess of Wales, 42, hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas' service at the historic church in the heart of London at the start of December.
The first - focusing on the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group - will highlight a single mother based in Worcestershire, who set up the ground to tackle loneliness.
The film showcasing Beyond Cornwall will feature six young carers aged between eight and 13, who 'go above and beyond every day to show empathy and support to their families'.
And the last will detail an intergenerational choir based in Belong Chester. This not-for-profit care village brings together care home residents and their young friends from The Nursery in Belong, operated by national charity Ready Generations.
Kensington Palace says 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.'
It comes after it was revealed the Princess reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor for help in planning her carol concert.
Kate made her appeal over the summer to Lady Gabriella, 43, whose husband Thomas Kingston killed himself in February.
The daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent took a major role in planning the Westminster Abbey service on December 6.
Lady Gabriella's husband financier Thomas Kingston, 45, died on February 25 from a head injury and a gun was found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds.
A coroner concluded in October he took his own life and during the inquest his widow warned about the effects of drugs used to treat mental health problems after the hearing was told Mr Kingston was prescribed drugs following complaints of trouble sleeping following stress at work.
Lady Gabriella was said to be a 'real member of the carol service team' and influential in choosing the musical performances.
As a singer-songwriter who has previously released a charity single she brought her expertise to the concert.
An insider said she 'enjoyed her role within the service and was excited to be a part of it', while the Princess was 'incredibly grateful for her contribution'.
A friend added: 'She was very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert. She felt honoured.'
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!”
The Princess of Wales meets Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith during the carol service
Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey
Lady Gabriella helped choose singer Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan to perform a specially-composed lyrical piece that was played alongside a poem read by actress Sophie Okonedo.
The carol service was staged on December 6 and featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper who performed with the Soul Sanctuary Choir and new singing talent Olivia Dean.
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.
Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, lit a candle as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.
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.