Lady Helen Taylor and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024
WPA Pool/Getty Images
Both Windsor and Middleton are around the same age, and both have endured a challenging year apiece in their own rights. Middleton, who was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, said in a video introduction to the televised service: “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.”
She continued stating, “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. It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.”
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Together At Christmas Carol Service
AARON CHOWN/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Lady Windsor’s loss of her husband last year heightened the importance of her inclusion in the programing. At an inquest into his death, a statement by Windsor was read aloud by Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire. “If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely. The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse,” the statement said.
In her statement, Windsor described their marriage as “deeply loving and trusting” and said that her husband had never expressed any suicidal thoughts to her or others. “I believe anyone taking pills such as these need to be made more aware of the side effects to prevent any future deaths. If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone,” the statement continued.
Originally published in Vanity Fair Spain