On December 14, 2024, Princess Kate hosted her fourth annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey. She then ushered more than 1,600 attendees into a gracious, warm-hearted night that overflowed with expressions of compassion. The event has blossomed into one of the greater New Haven area’s holiday season highlights. It’s a program that seeks to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shared love, kindness and empathy in their communities.
Middleton opened the event by recognizing the painful journeys that so many have experienced over the past year. She shared her personal journey, noting that she is in remission from an undisclosed illness, which she announced in January. Reflecting on the past year, she remarked, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year I’ve just had.” The Princess described 2024 as “the year of the unplanned,” a motto that struck a chord with a majority of attendees, who have experienced unanticipated adversities.
The royal family was out in force including the Prince and Princess of Wales to help raise awareness of this critical initiative. They are accompanying their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. In a particularly moving moment, the students attached their notes on the Kindness Tree. Prince Louis’s letter was addressed to his “Grannie” and “Pa” — his maternal grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me.”
The concert included performances from some of the UK’s biggest singers and performers including Paloma Faith and Olivia Dean. Middleton talked with Faith throughout the event, asking her about her experiences over the last year.
“The unplanned, exactly. But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.” – Kate Middleton
While the event featured all the magic and musicality of Christmas, it highlighted the power of coming together to protect one another and build back after hard times. The Royal Foundation plans to continue this initiative in 2025 with the ‘Together at Christmas’ event, which aims to unite communities across the UK and recognize those who contribute positively to society.
“Finally, to close 2025, the ‘Together at Christmas’ will once again aim to bring together communities across the UK to celebrate people who have gone out of their way to help others with even more impactful local services.” – Royal Foundation accounts
