PRINCESS Kate has recorded a special message reflecting on one of the hardest years of her life – asking the public to focus on “the things that connect us all”.
The Princess of Wales, 42, will give the uplifting monologue of hope at the start of her Together at Christmas carol service, which was this year boosted by the help of Lady Gabriella Kingston.
Kate offered an advisory role on musical choices to Lady Gabriella, 43, ten months after her financier husband Thomas Kingston’s tragic suicide in February.
Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, has written and released eight of her own jazz-inspired tracks since 2020 under the name Ella Windsor – and even sang at her own wedding reception.
A friend of Lady Gabriella’s told The Sun on Sunday: “She was very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and she felt honoured to do so.”
It comes as Kate used her speech, which airs on ITV on Christmas Eve, to ask viewers to “reflect” on how they can give the gift of love to others.
At the start of the service, she says: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”
And the Princess adds: “It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.”
The concert was filmed at Westminster Abbey on December 6 with Kate’s husband Prince William, 42, and kids Prince George 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, six, watching from the front row.
It will feature performances from singers Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.
The televised service features three handpicked films made by community groups on the themes of love, empathy and kindness.
A GOGGLEBOX star has revealed how the Channel 4 show is actually filmed, giving us a sneak peek behind the scenes.
The popular TV show is a fly-on-the-wall programme that follows people watching the TV and records their reactions.
The show also has a celebrity version which has taken us into the front room of various famous faces.
While it all looks natural, in fact, it takes quite a lot of behind-the-scenes work and setting up.
After being selected for the show, Mel Owen from Wales, revealed that softbox lights are placed over the TV and directed at the sofa.
She and her housemate, Mirain Iwerydd, were filmed sharing their opinions on programmes.
However, fans were shocked to learn that they weren’t watching their own TV.
In fact a smaller TV was provided for watching the shows, placed in front of her own screen and next to a camera.
“This was to ensure that everyone’s eye lines were in sync,” Mel shared after a curious fan asked on TikTok: “So they don’t watch it on their TVs? What?”
Another viewer asked: “Do the people who set it up stay while you watch the programmes?” before asking about the show options.
She answered: “They’re in another room, so it’s not too intense. The team choose what we watch so that everyone is reacting to the same shows.”
Recently, fans tuned into the Celebrity version to find it was a ‘repeat’ of a previously broadcast episode.
The episode included TV fashionista Gok Wan, Fearne Cotton and Martin and Roman Kemp.
But it turned out that Celebrity Gogglebox bosses had compiled the last series’ best bits into a compilation episode.
One seething fan wrote: “Really getting f****d off with the TV recently! EVERYTHING seems to be repeats! Got settled to watch Celeb Gogglebox thinking it was a new series, or a Christmas special! Oh how wrong am I! YET AGAIN ANOTHER REPEAT!”
A second fumed: “A Christmas compilation episode on the last Friday before Christmas is very disappointing.”
Gogglebox airs on Channel 4 and is available online now.
THE NATIONAL Lottery results are in and it’s time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (December 21, 2024).
Could tonight’s jackpot of £7.4million see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?
You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below. Good luck!
Tonight’s National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 03, 04, 10, 16, 40, 54 and the Bonus Ball is 08.
Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 07, 13, 26, 31, 38 and the Thunderball is 06.
The first National Lottery draw was held on November 19 1994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of £5,874,778.
The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was £42million, won in 1996.
Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.
Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic — and won £500,000.
Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won £300k – she intended to buy her usual £100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.
The biggest jackpot ever to be up for grabs was £66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.
Another winner, Karl managed to bag £11million aged just 23 in 1996.
The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million – BUT you’ve got to be in it to win it.
WE all need a little bit of designer in our lives – right?
And what better than with your first sip of caffeine in the morning?
Perfect for hosting, too, this is a gorgeous stove-top coffee pot designed by Italian coffee maestros Bialetti, with a stunning print from fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
We reckon it’s pretty-as Mediterranean pattern will help fight off those January blues and get you dreaming of holidays in warmer climes.
Drinking ground coffee, especially espresso, is also better for you than the instant stuff lurking in your cupboard and definitely a healthier choice than that gingerbread spiced latte from your fave caffeine pitstop.
Three lucky Fabulous readers will each win the six-cup design, thanks to Fabulous and John Lewis & Partners – enter now and this future heirloom may be brightening up your kitchen.
Enter using the form below by 11:59pm on January 4, 2025.
For full terms and conditions, click here.
Good luck!
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
MAR 21 – APR 20
A quiet chart doesn’t mean a quiet Christmas!
You have a selection box of love choices that are all delicious, but your heart could most savour the least likely.
Enjoy! As Jupiter and Saturn square up, a summer promise can come back to challenge you, but in some exciting ways.
While the sun sees business potential in a hand-made gift.
Luck chooses multiples of 6.
APR 21 – MAY 21
The chance to go further, and learn more, is just one star factor of your festive week.
Casual talk about a travel goal can get suddenly serious, so do review your cash situation in advance.
A loan, of funds or friendship, you may have assumed one way can be returned, with interest. And a passion pattern based on solo leadership gets the chance to try a more two-way track.
MAY 22 – JUNE 21
As Jupiter, so generous in your own sign right now, squares up to tough love planet Saturn, you have some decisions to make about how far you will take a personal ambition.
An event where strangers sing together can be a key factor.
In love? A circular gift can come right back around – to you.
Single? A festive traveller can be the Gemini love gift that keeps on giving.
JUNE 22 – JULY 22
Sun power in your commitment chart firms up promises at home and out in the world – at last you can be sure where you stand.
The real surprise may be how this makes you feel.
Taking a travel or study dream forward can mean breaking with family or love traditions, but you will know when this feels right, and how to manage it.
Luck opens a tinselled door.
JULY 23 – AUG 23
Taking charge of health can mean saying no to certain practices or people.
Even in this week of over-indulgence, your chart supplies this strength, but it’s up to you to use it.
As Jupiter and Saturn clash for the second time this year, tying up love loose ends is important, even if it feels easier to leave them hanging.
Music that always hits your heart signals a date decision.
AUG 24 – SEPT 22
Being in tune with the moon starts your week on a softer note – and you are ready to forgive and forget.
It’s not too late to re-set a guest list or a menu choice.
Sun energy is strongest around music and laughter, and the person who always brings this, is worth a second love look.
Ambitious deals are good, but achievable deals are better.
The luck factor chooses dark red.
SEPT 23 – OCT 23
Venus spells romances while Pluto pushes unexpected chances – both these factors can collide in a new face at a regular gathering.
If you’re in love, a game of actions can reveal some intense emotions – on both sides.
Jupiter and Saturn’s cross-chart challenge can clear the air between opposing opinions, so a plan can re-start.
The most extravagantly decorated home you know can also be the luckiest for you.
OCT 24 – NOV 22
Maybe you’re ready to offer a new start to a friend or family member – but is this for the right reasons?
Power, or money, is not among them, so do think carefully.
A well-travelled couple can be your link to luck, especially when you share numbers.
The love quota in your chart starts high and just gets higher – when a familiar door opens to reveal a hot new face.
NOV 23 – DEC 21
The value of feelings matters more than the value of things this week, and this can keep a couple or family closer when you remember it.
A plan to move home, or maybe work, addresses around, can stumble as Jupiter and Saturn square up. But this is a test, and by staying strong you can sail through.
A catchphrase that keeps replaying in your head can lead you to luck.
DEC 22 – JAN 20
When you need to call on reserves of strength of energy, the sun is there to provide – but it’s important not to waste this on people or projects that don’t deserve it.
Stay alert to the difference between passion and pressure.
What you say this week, more than ever, needs to match what you do – or love time could run out.
Lucky food looks the same – but tastes different.
JAN 21 – FEB 18
Repeating the same cash process and expecting a different outcome is not your style –Jupiter and Saturn may be at odds in your chart but still both want the best outcome for you.
This can mean a sudden switch of direction but you’ll cope well.
You are the zodiac love-star and shine even brighter by candlelight or firelight.
Partners are ready to put each other first.
FEB 19 – MAR 20
Your own sign may falter but won’t fall, as the second Saturn and Jupiter square of the year focuses on Pisces.
You can claim, or reclaim, your rightful place in a group or family, and feel the benefits.
As for passion, a secrecy element may tease and tantalise – but beware of letting this cloud your future judgement.
A meaningful message can come from a cracker.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.
Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy
JULY 23 – AUG 23
Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings
Taking charge of health can mean saying no to certain practices or people.
Even in this week of over-indulgence, your chart supplies this strength, but it’s up to you to use it.
As Jupiter and Saturn clash for the second time this year, tying up love loose ends is important, even if it feels easier to leave them hanging.
Music that always hits your heart signals a date decision.
DESTINY DAYS
Be a kindness star on Christmas Day.
Keep a close eye on time in a Thursday event.
Sift through selection questions again on Saturday.
LUCKY LINKS
A Santa outfit.
The second new name on an annual guest list.
The scent of cinnamon.
JUPITER SATURN SQUARE
Your public versus private face is the chart clash you referee all week, as Jupiter and Saturn get angsty.
You may be right about a decision, but it’s important to recognise others may think differently.
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
MISTLETOE MATCHES
KISS A chatty Gemini is so hot, but won’t gel well with your full-on love style.
BLISS Long-lasting love is so likely when you lock lips with a never-say-never Aries.
MISS You lack the love tolerance to wait while a cautious Capricorn makes up their slow and steady mind.
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy
Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.
JUNE 22 – JULY 22
Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings
Sun power in your commitment chart firms up promises at home and out in the world – at last you can be sure where you stand.
The real surprise may be how this makes you feel.
Taking a travel or study dream forward can mean breaking with family or love traditions, but you will know when this feels right, and how to manage it.
Luck opens a tinselled door.
DESTINY DAYS
Be generous on Monday, make sure everyone is included.
Turn back fun time on Tuesday, to your schooldays.
Re-open an “R” connection at the weekend.
LUCKY LINKS
A team of people who are all related.
A set of pictures from a capital city.
Windows with stained glass tops.
JUPITER SATURN SQUARE
Accepting a journey may have more twists and turns than you expect, is your key to coping well with the Jupiter/Saturn square this week.
Be ready for anything, and nothing can catch you out, or trip you up.
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
MISTLETOE MATCHES
KISS A Leo who’s full of fabulous style, but may fall short on substance.
BLISS A shy Pisces who needs lots of attention, but gives you back so very much in return.
MISS An adventurous Aries who will not give up their wanderlust for you.
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
MAY 22 – JUNE 21
Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings
As Jupiter, so generous in your own sign right now, squares up to tough love planet Saturn, you have some decisions to make about how far you will take a personal ambition.
An event where strangers sing together can be a key factor.
In love? A circular gift can come right back around – to you.
Single? A festive traveller can be the Gemini love gift that keeps on giving.
DESTINY DAYS
Revisit a fitness dream on Christmas Eve, make yourself a proper pledge.
Feel love heat by firelight on Friday.
Pull back on cash promises on Saturday.
LUCKY LINKS
Reheated food.
A pattern of silver squares.
A family that loves to put on a show.
JUPITER SATURN SQUARE
Goals that are going to work for you don’t just need to look good, but feel good too.
As Jupiter and Saturn lock horns there’s a risk of choosing the wrong path.
Avoid this by taking the right advice.
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
MISTLETOE MATCHES
KISS A mysterious Aquarius, who you can’t help wanting to get to know better…
BLISS A playful Sagittarius who’ll show you such a good time, in bed and out of it.
MISS A possessive Scorpio who wants all of you, all the time. Too heavy for you!
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.
