Catherine, Princess of Wales, has given a special Christmas address prior to the commencement of her third annual Royal Carols: Together At Christmas concert.
It’s not quite the King’s annual Christmas address, but it’s her own opportunity to directly address the British public and bring attention to the causes close to her heart.
This year, she has chosen to champion the importance of early childhood support.
“Christmas is a time when we come together and celebrate the birth of a newborn baby,” Kate Middleton’s address begins.
“The arrival of every baby is a precious and momentous time, it brings us together to reflect on new beginnings and brings hope for the future,” she adds.
“Throughout our earliest interactions, relationships and experiences, with those who love us, even before we are born, we lay the foundations to so much of what that future will depend on.
“But only by valuing and supporting the vital role of the adults in a child’s world can we hope to make a difference.”
The introduction serves as the opening for the royal carols, which were filmed in Westminster Abbey in early December, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla in attendance. 1500 special guests were invited to attend, filling out the pews, with most of them being recognized for their contributions to babies and young families.
Middleton’s focus on early childhood is no surprise, given she leads the Shaping Us initiative in tandem with the Centre For Early Childhood, which aims to raise awareness for the importance of strong early childhood support.
Prince William will also deliver a speech during the special broadcast.
The filmed event will air on Christmas Eve in the United Kingdom, and features performances from the Westminster Abbey choir, Freya Ridings, James Bay, Beverly Knight, Adam Lambert and more.
All three of Kate’s children were in attendance: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and even Prince Louis, with the latter two pictured holding candles as they walk up the aisle alongside their mother.
