London, 3 December (H.S.): Catherine, Princess of Wales, has urged people to value “time, care and compassion” shown in everyday life as she prepares to host her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

In a letter to the 1,600 invited guests, she writes that in a world that can feel “fragmented or uncertain”, simple gestures such as listening, offering comfort or lending a hand can make an “extraordinary difference” to others.

Carol Concert Focuses On Community Heroes

The service, featuring traditional carols and performances from artists including Hannah Waddingham and Kate Winslet, will bring together members of the Royal Family with volunteers and community champions from across the UK.

Guests include bereaved parents Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, who founded Kayleigh’s Wee Stars to support families of terminally ill children, and nine‑year‑old Saphia Turner, a BBC Make a Difference Young Hero Award winner who raises money for food banks through her artwork and sponsored challenges.

Catherine, who delivered her first speech in two years last month while continuing recovery from cancer treatment, says she hopes the season gives people “moments of peace and clarity” and that they feel surrounded by the same love they offer to others.

New Windsor Home Also Under Scrutiny

The message comes as Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee releases fresh details about royal property leases, including the couple’s new Windsor residence, Forest Lodge.

Documents show William and Catherine hold a 20‑year lease from the Crown Estate and pay an independently assessed market rent, with the arrangement set to be examined in a wider inquiry into royal leases next year following controversy over Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s exit from nearby Royal Lodge.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar