Inside Kate Middleton's Carol Service, According to an Attendee: 'After a Hard Year, She Put on a Brave Face' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate Middleton’s carol service was about a lot more than singing seasonal songs.

On Friday, Dec. 6, 1,600 guests fill the pews at Westminster Abbey in London to attend Kate’s fourth annualTogether at Christmasconcert, which recognized hard work done to help communities throughout the U.K.

Jenny Powell, who helps people with disabilities in her town of Abergavenny in South Wales, tells PEOPLE, “It was like saying, ‘We do acknowledge you.' "

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The royal family at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6.Getty Images

Getty Images

Since the COVID pandemic, Mrs. Powell set up a group,The Gathering, to do craft-making, provide sensory spaces, offer cooking opportunities and partake in bingo. “In our group, everyone understands everyone else,” she says.

At Kate’sTogether at Christmasconcert, the royal placed a letter on each seat that summed up the theme of love and kindness.

“It was a gorgeous letter,” Mrs. Powell says. “It really showed her appreciation of what we’re all doing. It was quite touching and brought tears to my eyes.”

She continues, “These things that I’ve been doing have impacted the lives of people I’ve been supporting, but knowing that the royal family is aware of these little things is lovely.”

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Mrs. Powell recalls the steel drum band playing and servers handing out mince pies at the event, as well as a “kindness tree,” which was positioned near the door. There, helpers handed out red labels and pens “so you could write a note to hang on [the tree] before you went in,” she says.

Kate Middleton greets children at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6.ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty

ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty

When Princess Kate,Prince Williamand their three children —Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis— arrived, “They looked so happy together," Powell says.

“It’s been a hard year, but she put that brave face on and she looked absolutely gorgeous," she adds of Kate, 42, who recently completed chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis.

Other guests at the event included Kate’s parents,CaroleandMichael Middleton; her sister,Pippa Middleton; her brother,James Middleton, and his wife,Alizée Thevenet.

The families of the survivors of theTaylor Swift-themed dance class, in which three children were killed in a July 29 massstabbing, were also in attendance.

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Kate Middleton with guests at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6.Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty

Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty

Speaking more about taking part in the event, Mrs. Powell tells PEOPLE, “I do things for my community because I like doing it and I never expected to be invited."

“I’m really grateful that they’re acknowledging what some people are doing in the community. It really meant something to have that opportunity to be part of that experience,” she continues.

source: people.com