Kate Middleton is recording her own special Christmas message.
The Princess of Wales, 42, has made a voiceover introduction to the TV broadcast of her carol service that took place on Dec. 6. The film shows her summing up the theme of the Together at Christmas service.
The holidays, she says, are “a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all,” she says.
“It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about,” Kate reads.
She continues, “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.”
“Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving and love that brings joy and hope,” the Princess of Wales adds.
The words come from the letter that she wrote to each of the 1,600 guests in Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6 and at 15 other venues around the U.K. ahead of the Christmas holiday.
Kate adds, “It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives. Across the United Kingdom there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”
Kate brought husband Prince William, 42, and their childrenPrince George,11,Princess Charlotte, 9,andPrince Louis, 6, to the service. She was supported by the Middleton family, including her parentsCaroleandMichael Middleton, her sisterPippa Middleton, her brotherJames Middletonand his wife,Alizée Thevenet.
The Royal Carols: Together At Christmas show, which airs on ITV1 and ITVx in the U.K. on Dec. 24 (and streams on Britbox in the U.S. and Canada), also features three short films celebrating some of the guests who have done so much for their communities over the year.
For example, there’s the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, which helps single parents who face loneliness to build a community. One of those parents is Sherisha, who was surprised with the invitation by podcaster and mom Giovanna Fletcher, who has supported Kate’s early childhood work for several years.
Also featured are six young carers aged between 8 and 13 who, despite their age, support their families every day. They are taken to charity Go Beyond Cornwall, which provides the chance of a welcome break for children facing serious challenges like they do.
The final group highlighted comes from the intergenerational choir Sankofa Songsters, which is drawn from a care home and their friends and allies based in a not-for-profit care village in Chester, England.
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Each video of the guests shows them excitedly receiving the invitations to the service and, for the Sankofa Songsters, being asked to sing.
The show is narrated by Scottish actor Kelly MacDonald, and the carol service features traditional hymns and songs and readings led by Prince William, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant. There are musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and J.P. Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan and a performance by two soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School.
Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition:Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.
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