PRINCESS Kate has spread Christmas cheer as she hailed the power of “simple acts” of love in a heartwarming letter.
The Princess of Wales, 43, penned a heartfelt message to guests attending her Together At Christmas carol service.
She welcomed the festive period that reminds us “how deeply our lives are woven together”.
On a poignant note, she added how life can feel “fragmented or uncertain” at times.
But the Princess focused on the way Christmas “invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another”.
The future queen will host her annual carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday.
It will see 1,600 guests come together to celebrate and recognise individuals from across the UK for their special contributions to society.
Schoolgirl Madison Reed will be in attendance after raising more than £1,360 for the Archie Foundation.
The youngster encouraged donations by Highland dancing in 26 locations across Scotland, each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet.
Money will go to the charity, which helps sick children and their families receiving medical care in north-east Scotland.
Another selfless worker who will be celebrated is 80-year-old Ann Davies, who has volunteered as a cook for nearly 10 years with the Moses Project.
The organisation offers mentoring and support for men with past and current substance abuse struggles.
Ms Davies also volunteers at Middlesbrough police station, supporting vulnerable people who have been arrested.
In her letter, which has been made available to carol service guests, the royal wrote: “This carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service, and to honour the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all.
“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.”
The Princess continued: “Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.
“We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection. Even with all the rushing around and familiar traditions, there is a quieter sense of what it calls out in us.
“There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters.
“Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another – they ripple outward, touching lives we may never see.”
The Prince of Wales will also give a reading at the service, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are set to make an appearance.
Katie Melua, Fisherman’s Friends and Griff will perform on a roster also featuring actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from pop rock band Bastille.
Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe and rising actor Joe Locke will deliver readings accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.
Some 15 community carol services, held in places including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury and a community farm in Gwent, are also set to take place across the UK with the same love and togetherness theme and those guests will also receive Kate’s letter.
The Westminster Abbey service is to air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve and will be repeated on Christmas Day.
