Let's embrace all the gentle gestures and the softness of the season

Kate's call ahead of carol service

- BY RUSSELL MYERS Royal Editor

THE Princess of Wales has urged the nation to come together "with generosity of heart, understanding and hope" amid testing times as she prepares to host her annual carol concert for good causes.

In a message sent to guests before they gather for Friday's Together at Christmas event, Kate spoke of the importance of checking in on loved ones and friends "at a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain".

The future queen will welcome 1,600 community stalwarts to Westminster Abbey for the event, now in its fifth year. The theme for 2025 is "love, compassion and connection", Kensington Palace revealed yesterday.

In her message, Kate, 43, said: "At its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways.