Princess Kate has written a letter to each of her guests thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

Princess Kate has written a letter to the guests of her carol concert (Image: Getty)

Princess Kate has sent a personal message to each of the 1,600 guests invited to her Christmas Carol concert and said: “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”

It marks the first time since Kate, 42, launched her Together At Christmas Carol service in 2021 that she has written to those invited – and her message appears to echo themes from the statement she shared to mark the end of her cancer treatment.

In September, the princess revealed she had finished chemotherapy in the summer and in an emotional video she said: “Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”

She also spoke about how grateful she was for “everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion” during her cancer battle.

The theme of her carol service, which will be held at Westminster Abbey on Friday, appears to reflect this sentiment as Kate has focused her concert on the importance of love and empathy.

Kensington Palace said the theme was inspired by the Christmas story and reflects “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.

Among the 1,600 guests will be those who have supported others, either on a personal level with friends and family, or through their work or volunteering.

They will be joined by members of the Royal Family, with the Prince and Princess of Wales’ three children expected to attend, and famous faces.

This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from the princess, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

In the letter, Kate also reflects on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences.

“Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year,” she writes. “It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”

Princess Kate attended with her three children last year (Image: Getty)

The princess says the Christmas story “encourages us to turn to love, not fear”, adding: “It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive.”

She said: “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times. We all have something we can offer one another.

“Gentle words or a receptive ear, an arm around an exhausted shoulder, or silently being by someone’s side.”

Concluding her moving message she told guests: “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.”

Princess Kate attended Remembrance events earlier this month (Image: Getty)

Kate has been determined to go ahead with her Christmas carol concert despite the health challenges she has faced this year.

As guests arrive at the Abbey they will be greeted by music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people.

Guests will be treated to musical performances by stars including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter and a specially curated performance by two soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School.

During the service, readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.

A handful of guests linked to the theme have also been chosen to light candles, which includes Lindsey Burrow, the widow of MND campaigner Rob Burrow who died in June and Sir Chris Hoy MBE, who has incurable prostate cancer.

Princess Kate has attended few public events this year (Image: Getty)

Decorations at the abbey will be inspired by nature and the service will combine traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none.

This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ will be situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.

The event, which is supported by The Royal Foundation, will be filmed and broadcast as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve

In addition, 15 Together At Christmas community carol services will be taking place across the UK including at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and Blackpool Tower Circus.

The service at Rochester Cathedral in Kent will be themed around Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, while the service at St Mary’s Church, Luton in Bedfordshire will honour local health and emergency services.