Lady Gabriella Windsor showcased her close bond with Catherine, the Princess of Wales, through a heartfelt tribute during a rare public appearance. This touching moment occurred at the "Together at Christmas" carol service, an event attended by her parents, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor. Lady Gabriella joined 1,600 guests at the Westminster Abbey service, highlighting the unity of the royal family during the holiday season.
Over the summer, Catherine personally invited Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, to join her team in organizing this year’s "Together at Christmas" carol service. The Princess’s invitation reflected the event’s overarching theme—celebrating individuals who exemplify love, kindness, and empathy within their communities. According to a royal source, Lady Gabriella was deeply moved and honored to contribute to such a meaningful occasion.
As a singer-songwriter, Lady Gabriella brought her expertise to the role, serving as a consultant on the musical performances featured in the service. Her contributions were warmly received, reinforcing her connection to the Princess of Wales. Observant royal enthusiasts also noted that Lady Gabriella wore a pair of gold Zenyu chandelier hoop earrings, a design favored by Catherine herself. These earrings, which complemented Lady Gabriella’s outfit beautifully, had previously been worn by the Princess during her 2019 Pakistan tour and the 2021 Royal Variety Performance, highlighting a shared sense of style between the two royal women.
The carol service carried a poignant message of love and empathy, which resonated deeply with Lady Gabriella during what has been an extraordinarily challenging year. Catherine’s handwritten letter, distributed to guests alongside the order of service, emphasized the importance of human connection, especially during difficult times. This sentiment held particular significance for Lady Gabriella, who has been grieving the loss of her husband, Thomas Kingston, earlier this year.
Thomas Kingston, a 45-year-old financier and the son-in-law of Prince Michael of Kent, tragically passed away on February 25th. His death, caused by a catastrophic head injury, was not deemed suspicious by police, although a firearm was found near his body. Kingston had spent the day with his parents before being discovered by his father at their home. A coroner’s narrative verdict provided a nuanced account of the circumstances surrounding his death, ruling out suicide.
Lady Gabriella submitted a statement during the inquest, expressing doubts that her husband’s work challenges would have led him to take his own life. She noted that he appeared to be in an improved state of mind. Kingston had been prescribed the sleeping aid Zopiclone along with an SSRI antidepressant, although the family did not attribute blame to the prescribing doctor. This tragedy brought together around 140 close friends and family members for a private service at the Chapel Royal in St. James’s Palace, London.
Notably, King Charles III was absent from the service as he continues to reduce public engagements while undergoing cancer treatment. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla fulfilled prior commitments by hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace. The loss of Thomas Kingston coincided with a period of heightened speculation surrounding Catherine’s private health battles, as the Princess was quietly undergoing chemotherapy for cancer—a detail not revealed to the public until weeks later.
This deeply emotional period underscores the resilience and solidarity of the royal family, with Lady Gabriella’s involvement in the carol service serving as a tribute to the enduring values of compassion and empathy.