Both Gabriella and Kate are around the same age, and both have endured an extremely challenging year. Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, said in a video introduction to the televised service: ‘This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and 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.’
‘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. 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.’
Meanwhile, Lady Gabriella lost her husband Thomas to suicide at the start of last year. At an inquest into his death, a statement by Gabriella was read out by Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire. ‘If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely. The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse,’ it said. Gabriella added that she believed Thomas’ death was likely provoked by an adverse reaction to the medication he had recently begun, and subsequently stopped, taking.