Kate Middleton’s caroling was much more than singing seasonal carols.
On Friday, December 6, 1,600 guests filled the pews of Westminster Abbey in London to attend Kate’s fourth annual Together at Christmas concert, which recognized the hard work being done to help communities across the UK
Jenny Powell, who helps people with disabilities in her town of Abergavenny, South Wales, tells PEOPLE: “It was like saying ‘We really appreciate you.’ ”
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The Royal Family at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
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Since the COVID pandemic, Powell has started a group, The Gathering, that makes crafts, provides sensory spaces, offers cooking opportunities and participates in bingo. “In our group, everyone understands everyone,” she says.
At Kate’s Together at Christmas Concert, the royal placed a letter on each seat that summed up the theme of love and kindness.
“It was a beautiful letter,” says Powell. “It really showed her that she appreciates what we all do. It was quite touching and brought me to tears.”
She continues: “These things I’ve done have affected the lives of the people I’ve supported, but it’s nice to know that the royal family is aware of the little things.”
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Powell recalls a steel drum band playing and servers handing out mince pies at the event, as well as a “kindness tree” that was set up near the door. There, helpers handed out red labels and pens “so you could write the message hold on.” [the tree] before you walked in,” Powell says.
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Kate Middleton greets children at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty
When Princess Kate, Prince William and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – arrived, “They looked so happy together,” says Powell.
“It’s been a tough year but she’s put on that brave face and she looks absolutely gorgeous,” he adds of Kate, 42, who recently finished chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.
Other guests at the event included Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton; her sister, Pippa Middleton; her brother James Middleton and his wife Alizée Thevenet.
Families of survivors of a Taylor Swift-themed dance class where three children were killed in a July 29 mass stabbing were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, Olivia Dean performed and William, 42, read, as did actors including Richard E. Grant.
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Kate Middleton with guests at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
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Speaking more about taking part in the event, Powell tells PEOPLE, “I do things for my community because I love doing it and I didn’t expect to be invited.”
“I’m really grateful that they recognize what some people do in the community. It really meant something to have that opportunity to be a part of that experience,” she continues.
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Source: HIS Education