Kate Middleton Attends Surprise Christmas Tea Party in Sneak Peek of Carol Concert Broadcast

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton connects with Rico and his soccer coach Russell Gray from Manchester.Photo:Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Kate Middletonfestively attended a surprise holiday tea party.

The carol service held at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 8 highlighted the vital importance of early childhood and Kate used the occasion to thank those among the 1,500-strong congregation for the help and support they are giving to the youngest in society.

Princess Kate’s early years campaign,Shaping Us, focuses on enhancing understanding and supporting children in their first five years of life. But that can’t happen without help from family members or professionals.

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

Kate Middleton chats with brothers George and Henry alongside Ray, a music therapist from the East Anglia Children’s Hospice.Kensington Palace

One of those was Ray, who comes from a familiar place for the Princess — he works as a music therapist atEast 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.

Kate Middleton greets Brenda, a retired mental health nurse from Sussex who volunteers in local schools.Kensington Palace

Another guest was Russell Gray, who is a soccer coach in Manchester, and he met Kate with Rico, 13. The soccer coaching has helped build Rico’s confidence and helped him to pursue his passion for the sport.

As well as highlighting the Shaping Us campaign, Kate used the third annual carol concert to pay tribute to professionals in the sector, and many were invited to the big event at Westminster Abbey.

Kate Middleton connects with Rico and his soccer coach Russell Gray from Manchester.Kensington Palace

In the run-up to the holidays, Kate was also inspired to bring her three children,Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5, to a donation center not far from their home in Windsor to lend a hand with volunteering. The Princess of Wales and her kids packed toys and clothing for families in need this holiday season.

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Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the “Together At Christmas” concert at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 8.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

source: people.com