Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, invitation sees Buckie community stalwart head to Westminster Abbey for royal carol service
It has turned out to be a right royal festive season so far for one community stalwart.
There was a surprise in store from no less a person than Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, for Buckie woman Jane Murray when she and husband Kevin were invited to attend the Royal Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
Mrs Murray is well-known for her work in creating and running Buckie Community Choir and Buckie Community Shop, the latter organisation being dedicated to supporting local good causes.
The invitation to the event came as something as a bolt from the blue.
Mrs Murray explained: “The first I knew about it was an email saying I’d been nominated to attend the service in recognition of my community work and kindness to others.
“I think that would mainly be with the choir and also partly through the shop.
“I’ve no idea who nominated me. It was a total shock when I read the email, I was just flabbergasted. It’s been very humbling that someone thought I was good enough to go to something like this.”
Rubbing shoulders with community activists and charity fundraisers from up and down the land was a roll call of stars from sport, music and film in an audience that numbered around 3000.
Mrs Murray continued: “We were sitting about 10 yards away from [Olympic cyclist] Chris Hoy and we saw Kate come over and have a word with him and his kids.
“I also saw the likes of actress Hannah Waddingham, Gloria Hunniford, Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley.
“I even met someone from St Combs who started speaking to me after hearing my accent!
“Amongst the singers were Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter, whose singing was just beautiful. There were a couple of community choirs performing as well featuring singers of all ages.
“It was really, really good and there were plenty songs where the audience could join in, too.
“There were people there from all walks of life, everyone had a story and was so down to earth. We were all honoured and humbled to have been nominated to attend.”
Those attending the service also had the opportunity to leave a personal message on a memorial tree which was situated on the way into the abbey.
In her invitation to the event, the Princess of Wales spoke about the importance of kindness to others, not just at Christmas but all year round.
She said: “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 how much we need each other in spite of our differences.
“Above all else, it encourages 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 this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.”
The service will be televised on Christmas Eve.
Mr and Mrs Murray made the most of their time in London by packing in a few bucket list items, including a visit to the Royal Albert Hall for the John Rutter Christmas celebration concert, a trip to the Apollo Theatre to take in a performance of the musical Wicked and and afternoon at Pudding Lane to see ABBA Voyager.
