Kate Hosts Festive Tea for 'Together at Christmas'

 Good evening, dear readers,

With Christmas firmly upon us, Kensington Palace shared three photos from a festive tea party the Princess hosted last month in London as part of plans for 'Together at Christmas'. Footage from the tea will feature in the carol concert tomorrow night. Kate broke quite early this year for Christmas holidays. In lieu of traditional engagements, we've very much seen the carol concert take centre stage as the focal point of the Waleses' December schedule.

A Palace spokesperson shared: "Three inspiring people making a real difference to the lives of young people. It was so lovely to join Rico, Arwyen, Jenson, Poppy, Henry and George for a special surprise celebration for the people in their lives who have helped shape them. Russell, Ray and Brenda, it was a pleasure to meet you!"

People reports:

'So, at the Christmas party, Kate learned more about how the adults are making incredible contributions to raising the next generation.

One of those was Ray, who comes from a familiar place for the Princess — he works as a music therapist at East Anglia's Children's Hospices, of which she has been a patron since she started in her public life more than a decade ago. Ray has helped support the family of Henry, 10, (who joined the party with his brother George, 12) who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 18 months old.

The Princess of Wales also spent time with Brenda, who is a retired mental health nurse from Sussex in southern England. She volunteers in local schools helping children like Jenson, 8, who Kate met, develop new skills like reading through the local intergenerational program.'

This year's service was organised to "thank those who are supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years”.

 The Telegraph writes:

'The Princess met 13-year-old Rico and Russell Gray, the Manchester football coach who helped to build his confidence

“Christmas is a time when we come together and celebrate the birth of a newborn baby,” she will say.

“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.

“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.”

She added: “This is not just making a difference to children today, it will go on to shape a happier, healthier, fairer world in the future.”'

The Princess wore the seasonal red Miu Miu cardigan she debuted ahead of the 2021 carol concert. This year, she teamed the piece with matching red trousers.

The sold out £1,350 piece is described as: "Miu Miu's cardigan is made from cashmere with a diamond pattern and tactile bobbles. It also has a detachable cotton collar and is jacquard-woven with black and white roses. Match the lustrous mother-of-pearl buttons to your earrings."

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will air on ITV tomorrow evening at 7.45 pm. In preparation for the event, Kensington Palace, shared a darling childhood photo of Kate with the caption, "Sharing some festive memories this Christmas because Shaping Us is all about the vital importance of our early years and the role played by those around us in shaping the rest of our lives."

I very much hope to be able to share a YouTube link for the concert in the Christmas Day post covering the annual walk to Sandringham on Monday. For those enquiring about the annual pre-Christmas luncheon, it was held again this year at Windsor Castle. Last year, the Waleses were not in attendance as they decamped to Anmer early. According to the Telegraph, they were in Windsor for the event this year, but we didn't see any arrival/departure images because they live on the estate. There's also growing talk of a short official trip to Rome in the spring. It will mark the couple's first joint trip on behalf of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in two years. It will be officially confirmed in due course.

Until we chat again on Christmas Day, I hope all your plans are coming along nicely. If, like your faithful scribe, you still have much to get organised or are spending an evening immersed in wrapping paper and gift bags, pour a glass of your favourite drink, turn up the festive tunes, and fear not, we still have Christmas Eve for all those last-minute tasks :)

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