An adorable moment between the Princess of Wales and her youngest child has been captured on film – with six-year-old Prince Louis apparently offering his mother reassuring words of comfort, according to a leading lip reader.
In the footage, the young royal is seen arriving at Kate’s Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey armed with a sweet note to hang on the ‘kindness tree’ outside the historic London church.
Families gathered on Christmas Eve are in for a regal treat when the Together at Christmas concert, which took place at the Abbey earlier this month, airs at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX this evening.
And Prince Louis, who has routinely stolen the limelight with his comical appearances at royal events, this time stole hearts.
Expert lip reader Nicola Hickling has claimed what she thinks the young Prince is seen saying to his mother on one of her first major public appearances following treatment for cancer.
Hickling suggests the young boy told the Princess of Wales at the service: ‘We’re looking out for each other.’
As Louis strolled into the Princess’ fourth annual concert alongside his father, Prince William, and his siblings, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, the family are seen in the video quietly observing some of the red notes hung on the festive fir.
And then the young prince steps forward to hang his own red tagged note, a special thank you to his maternal grandparents.
The handwritten festive card reads: ‘Thank you for granny and grandpa because they have played games with me’.
Lip reader Hickling told The Sun newspaper that the moment between mother and son was clearly a treasured one.
Elsewhere, the Princess of Wales has told the nation that ‘we must all shine for each other’ in an emotional address posted on social media ahead of her carol concert tonight.
Families gathered on Christmas Eve are in for a regal treat when The Princess of Wales’ concert, which took place at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, airs this evening.
And Kate offered a taster of what viewers can expect tonight with a video montage posted to the Wales’ Instagram account, calling the concert, filled with royal and celebrity faces, ‘a heartfelt celebration’.
The short clip sees moments from the service including those who attended admiring Christmas messages on a ‘kindness tree’ outside the Abbey, the Princess chatting with youngsters before the service and teenage musicians playing instruments as the crowds entered.
The message, posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 16.8million followers this afternoon, said the service reflects ‘upon the importance of love and empathy’.
It is the fourth time the royal has held the annual festive concert – but this year’s is particularly poignant as the 42-year-old royal continues her recovery from cancer; Prince William has described 2024 as ‘probably the hardest year of my life’.
Kate’s impassioned voice over thanks ‘inspiring’ people ’embracing those in need’, saying: ‘This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of everyone of you.’
The royal continues, adding: ‘It’s 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’.
Filmed earlier this month on December 6th, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will air at 7:30pm on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX, with the princess joined by William, 42, and the couple’s three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
The concert marked one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy in the first half of 2024.
Kate has been described as being ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service, including holding regular planning meetings at Windsor ahead of filming.
On the day the service was filmed, the Princess arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.
However, the supportive royals have also helped Kate bring her ideas together, with everyone from King Charles, who donated Christmas trees, and Prince Louis, who penned a sweet note, helping to make the service a seasonal success.
Royal fans will see the Princess of Wales looking elegant in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with black Ralph Lauren boots for the festive occasion.
The event, which was attended by 1,600 people will ‘reflect upon…how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives’
Here, FEMAIL looks at everything we know so far about the regal yuletide service…
HOW THE SERVICE WILL UNFOLD
The service will, Kensington Palace said, ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’. ‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.
Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan.
Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School.
During the service, poignant 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.
Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan.
Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service.
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.
‘In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 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
DRESS TO IMPRESS: THE PRINCESS OF WALES’ OUTFIT
Wearing a highly festive Alexander McQueen red coat, with a large statement black bow, which she teamed with her black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion.
Looking typically stylish for the outing, Kate completed her festive ensemble with a red check skirt, her Mulberry Amberley Baroque Pearl Earrings and a £110 Gold Plated bangle by British brand Halcyon Days.
The bangle is thought to have been a birthday present from Prince William in 2020, and features a subtle nod to Princess Diana as it’s called ‘the Salamander Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold Bangle ‘ – named after the late royal’s favourite flower.
Showcasing her stylish prowess, Kate kept her brunette locks in soft waves and added to her features with a smattering of glamorous makeup.
FROM ZARA TO BEATRICE: WHICH ROYALS ATTENDED THE SERVICE?
A host of royal family members will be spotted by eagle-eyed viewers when the concert airs, as many of the Windsors turned out to support the Princess of Wales.
The princess was, of course, joined by William, 42, and the couple’s three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
The entire Middleton family too, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout her recent illness, was also out in force.
The King and Queen, however, were not amongst the guests, with the filming coinciding with Camilla’s ongoing recovery from a viral chest infection.
Zara Tindall, without her husband Mike or children Mia, Lena and Lucas, accompanied Princess Beatrice, who is pregnant with her second child, and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi and his young son Wolfie.
Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, looked sensational in a velour trouser-suit the colour of burgundy, alongside matching heels and a gold bag.
And Beatrice picked a monochromatic burgundy ensemble, holding the hand of eight-year-old Wolfie as the family walked walked into Westminster Abbey to take their place among the 1,600-person strong congregation.
A FAMOUS ILLUSTRATOR BEHIND THE ORDER OF SERVICE
A bespoke illustration by British artist Charles Mackesy – which embodies the service’s themes of kindness, love and empathy – will be featured on the Order of Service.
The image depicts a snowy scene with a group of people walking arm in arm towards Westminster Abbey, accompanied by the words ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’
Mackesy is known for his bestselling book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse – which was published in 2019 and celebrates themes of kindness and friendship.
He said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.
‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’
Alongside the 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 in need, telling them ‘Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times’.
MOTHER-AND-SON: A TENDER MOMENT BETWEEN KATE AND LOUIS
In a clip released by ITV ahead of the full service airing on Christmas Eve, the Princess of Wales and Prince Louis were seen sharing a very sweet moment as British actress Sophie Okonedo read a poem, The Kindness Of Trees.
As the actress, 56, read the poem, the camera panned to the audience to show the royals listening attentively.
In a heartwarming moment, the youngest Wales sibling, six-year-old Prince Louis appeared to be looking at his mother Kate to gauge her reaction.
Smiling down at him, the two shared a loving glance before continuing to listen to the poem.
Princess Charlotte, nine, meanwhile appeared to be closely following along to the poem on her Order Of Service sheet, smiling as she did so.
Next to her, Prince William and Prince George, 11, were focused on listening to Sophie, as the Hotel Rwanda star read: ‘The tree roared in the wind in the dead midwinter night / ‘The tree blew a hello, goodbye, when every child was asleep in bed, the tree sung a lullaby.’
STAR-SPOTTING: CELEBRITIES WHO ATTENDED
The Princess of Wales has also called upon a host of famous faces to help pull together her annual service.
Hannah Waddingham led the pack as she stepped out in a floral dress that she teamed with a burgundy coat slung over her shoulders.
The Ted Lasso star, 50, was joined by her 10-year-old daughter Kitty for the carols.
During the concert, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
Others in attendance included GMB host Susannah Reid and another ITV breakfast star, Lorraine Kelly, who wore a coat made from Scottish tartan.
Also dressed to impress was Paloma Faith, who exuded glamour in a scarlet gown with puffed sleeves and intricate embroidery detail.
Sticking with an all-red theme, the singer even donned scarlet tights and accessorised with slingback heels and gloves.
Strictly’s Amy Dowden also looked chic in all-red, pairing a fitted jumpsuit with a longline coat and stiletto heels.
Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, lit a candle as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.
‘REFLECT AND SLOW DOWN’: KATE’S FESTIVE MESSAGE
The Princess of Wales has called for people to ‘slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all’ and turn to ‘love, not fear’.
Her heartfelt message – which was given in a letter to every guest at the concert on December 6, and 15 regional community services and will be a voice over played at the start of the concert – was also shared in a clip from the upcoming broadcast.
Kate says: ‘Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.
‘It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.
‘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.’
Kate continues: ‘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 LOUIS’ SWEET NOTE OF SUPPORT
Prince Louis gripped onto a sweet handwritten note as he arrived at his mother’s carol concert at Westminster Abbey this evening.
As the six-year-old royal walked into the Together at Christmas event alongside his father, Prince William, and his siblings, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, he held onto a special thank you note.
‘Thank you for granny and grandpa because they have played games with me,’ the special message read.
The young royal, who is known for his cheeky tendencies, shares a close bond with Michael and Carole Middleton. He carried the note to add to a ‘kindness tree’, as guests had been invited to write the name of someone who had helped them this year on red card to decorate the tree.
A GIFT FROM THE KING: CHARLES DONATED TREES FOR THE SERVICE
The King and Queen were not amongst the guests at the concert, but Charles did donate Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will later be donated to the local community.