Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.Photo: Kensington Palace
Kate Middletonis stepping into the role of Christmas helper — with plenty of holiday spirit.
In a new set of pictures taken at Westminster Abbey, Kate is seen helping trim a tree and prepare a wreath in the run up to her carol service earlier this month.
Kate — in afestive sweater— visited the Abbey a day before the December 8 service to record a welcome message, which will introduce herRoyal Carols: Together At Christmasshowwhen it broadcasts in the U.K. on Christmas Eve.
In her introduction, Kate speaks about her desire to host the occasion to “say a huge thank you to all those amazing people out there who’ve supported their communities. We also wanted to recognize those whose struggles perhaps have been less visible, too.”
Kate adds, “We’ve been through such ableak time. We’ve seen so many challenges, we’ve lost our loved ones. We’ve seen our frontline workers under immense pressure. And, also, we’ve been more emotionally, and socially, distanced and isolated from each other.”
But she places trust in how people have shown kindness and rallied their communities, adding, “I suppose through that separation we’ve also realized how much we need each other and how acts of kindness and love can really bring us comfort and relief in times of distress.”
Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.Kensington Palace
One of those who attended, Joan Black from Scotland, helped the elderly in the community during COVID-enforced lockdowns. “To bring everyone together like this is lovely,” she told PEOPLE. “I felt she was really confident. We are doing well if that’s our future Queen.”
Kate Middleton and Leticia Cachoeira Edwards prepare the tree.Kensington Palace
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Prince Williamgave a reading, as did British Paralympian and junior doctor Kim Daybell,Harry PotteractorTom Feltonand presenterKate Garraway, whose husband is still battling the awful effects of being badly struck with COVID. Poet and writer Lemn Sissay, who Kate worked with on her photographic project summing up life in the U.K. during the pandemic, wrote and read a poignant composition for the service called “To the Day.”
source: people.com
