The Princess of Wales has delivered her first Christmas message in the form of a letter ahead of her annual carol service.

In the note that will be sent to all those attending the event at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening, she appears to subtly acknowledge her own difficult year, while obviously wanting to reflect the attention on to those who help others in their time of need.

The princess, 42, writes: "I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

"Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. 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.

"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."

With references to how "the Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others", the tone and sentiments of the message feel reminiscent of the annual Christmas broadcast we see each year from the monarch.

This is the fourth year that the princess has hosted her Together at Christmas Carol Service.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed the theme of this year's event would be "how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives".

It comes after the princess announced she had finished her chemotherapy treatment and Prince William described how "brutal" the past year has been, with both his wife's and father's health battles.

In her letter, the theme of love could not be any clearer, as she appears to repeat a sentiment she shared earlier in the year when addressing her own diagnosis - "Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times," she writes.

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Kensington Palace has released more details of those who will be participating in the service.

Other members of the Royal Family will attend and Prince William will be among those giving readings.

Candles will be lit by Lindsey Burrow, the wife of rugby league player Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND and died this year, and Sir Chris Hoy MBE, who recently announced his cancer diagnosis.

They also revealed the abbey will be decorated with sustainable festive decorations and foliage, a nod to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, which the princess spoke about earlier in the year.

The service will be recorded on Friday and broadcast on Christmas Eve.

(c) Sky News 2024: Kate's Christmas message highlights love and kindness in letter for her annual carol service