Actress Kate Winslet took the spotlight at the Princess of Wales’ carol service, delivering a heartfelt reading she wrote herself. The Oscar-winning actress was extended an invitation by the royal staff to compose a piece that resonated with the event’s theme of ‘Love’ at Westminster Abbey.

Winslet expressed her excitement about the opportunity, crafting a poignant message: “Love doesn’t always arrive wrapped in ribbons. It manifests in our treatment of one another, through kindness and grace. It’s found in shared laughter over a meal, a comforting hand held, and the courage to reach out to someone who might be alone.”

Among a constellation of celebrities contributing to the festive gathering, including actress and performer Hannah Waddingham, Winslet aimed to keep the spotlight on the “unsung community heroes” whom the Princess wishes to honor.

Reflecting on the season’s spirit, Winslet remarked, “This special time of year reminds us that love takes many forms—within families, friendships, and the simple act of being there for one another. These connections—whether with neighbors, friends, or even strangers—uplift our communities and create a sense of belonging for all. We all deserve to belong.”

She said: ‘At this special time of year, we’re reminded that love takes many forms – in families, in friendship, in the simple act of being there for one another. Those connections – with neighbours, friends, and even strangers – lift our communities and make others feel like they belong. We all deserve to belong.

‘Especially now, when so many are in need of kindness and understanding, a kind word or a shared meal – can mean more than we’ll ever know.

Actress Kate Winslet delivered a personally-penned reading at the Princess of Wales ’ carol service on Friday 

The Oscar-winning star was invited by the royal’s staff to write something inspired by the theme of the Westminster Abbey event, ‘Love’ – and said she was delighted to

The 2024 carol service was also stacked with royal and celebrity guests 

‘Christmas is about giving. But maybe we can think about being ‘present’ as our Christmas present to those we love and to those who need to feel comforted and heard.

‘We can choose to show up for others. And when we choose to connect, to show that we care, we become part of something so much greater than ourselves. 

‘Perhaps we can use our hearts and minds to see more clearly at Christmas: a reminder that even in the coldest season, when the days feel shorter and the nights are darker, the love that we show to others can light up the world around us, and give warmth to the coldest corners of the world. Bring joy, where you can. It’s sometimes as simple as offering a smile, a hug, and kind word. ‘

She concluded her reading in front of 1,600 guests and members of the Royal Family, with a literary quote.

‘I’d like to use the words of Henry Drummond, from his book ‘The Greatest Thing in the World’: ‘You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love’,’ she intoned.

Prince William added a plus one of his own to the guest list – Canadian actor Eugene Levy, whom he recently starred in with his streaming show The Reluctant Traveller. 

Greeting Levy warmly, the princess said: ‘Nice to see you. You know my husband very well now. ‘

‘I spent a lovely day with him,’ the actor replied.

The Princess of Wales shakes hands with actor Richard E Grant, who read a passage during the 2024 carol service

The Princess of Wales welcomes Prince William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they arrive at Westminster Abbey to attend the service today

‘I hope he looked after you,’ Kate smiled. ‘He did look after me , he did,’ the star said. 

‘And you met our dog?’ Kate replied before Levy enquired: ’Did he have a fun day?’ 

‘It was a memorable day that’s for sure. And thank you for being here,’ said the princess. 

The Princess of Wales’ annual carol service was held at Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 5, recognising volunteers and charity workers across the UK. 

This marks the fifth year the royal has hosted the carol service, which began in 2021. 

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and Prince William also gave readings on Friday. 

Other A-list guests this year included Dan Smith from pop rock band Bastille, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, chef Dame Mary Berry and singers Katie Melua, Griff and musical group Fisherman’s Friends – all of whom are the latest in a line of celebrity attendees at the carol service over the years. 

Last year’s service saw Downton Abbey‘s Michelle Dockery give a personal reading, actor Richard E Grant recite a passage from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and performances from Dive singer Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith. 

Days ahead of this year’s carol service, Princess Kate penned an open letter, later given to guests at Friday’s service, about the power of ‘simple acts’ of love.

At its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways,’ the royal wrote.

‘Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.

The Princess of Wales arrives for her Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey today

‘These simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong.’

She continued: ‘Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.

‘We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.

‘Even with all the rushing around and familiar traditions, there is a quieter sense of what it calls out in us. There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters. 

‘Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another – they rippled outwards touching lives we may never see.’