Princess Kate’s brother James praises his sister in sweet tribute as she leads Christmas carol concert
PRINCESS Kate’s younger brother James has praised his sister in a sweet tribute as she leads the Christmas carol concert.
The 37-year-old entrepreneur put his support behind his beloved sister after her tough year, where she completed preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
James posted to Instagram on Tuesday sharing a picture of the concert’s programme, along with a beautiful message.
In the post, James praised his “incredible sister” for spreading a “powerful” message through her annual service.
He added a quote from Kate, which read: “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.
“A very powerful message from my incredible sister at a special time of year. Merry Christmas to you all.”
It comes as Princess Kate emphasised the “importance of empathy” in a message of hope at her star-studded Christmas carol service.
The Princess of Wales called for people to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all” and turn to “love, not fear” as she opened the televised service.
The fourth annual Together at Christmas concert was filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, with husband Prince William and children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis in attendance.
It featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper, alongside the Soul Sanctuary Choir, and new singing talent Olivia Dean.
Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed he has terminal prostrate cancer in recent weeks, lit a candle, as did wife of late rugby league star Rob Burrow, who died in June following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Readings were also given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.
However, Kate, 42, is understood to have refused to invite scandal-hit royal Prince Andrew to the bash.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly not keen to have the disgraced Duke of York at their public events – and rejected a proposal to have him seated behind a pillar, it is claimed.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Meanwhile, earlier today Kate gave a sweet message after sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the concert.
In a video she could be seen beaming as she greeted children in an unseen montage.
A post from the Waleses’ Instagram today said: “This service reflects upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year’s celebrations.”
It comes after Kate began easing back into public duties after announcing she was cancer-free in September.
She officially returned to work last month when she joined William for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, London.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent abdominal surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the Princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but pens letter to Irish Guards revealing: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 15: Kate attends Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attends the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
August 11: Kate and William release video congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics
August 25: Kate is seen heading to church
September 9: Kate shares moving video revealing she has finished chemotherapy
October 15: Kate shares hand written note during Baby Loss Awareness Week