SARAH VINE: Kate’s heartfelt letter carries an inspiring optimism and faith in the healing power of love

Reading the Princess of Wales’s heartfelt letter, I couldn’t help feeling very happy for her. 

It’s clear that, after a very difficult year for her personally, she finds herself in a remarkably good place, surrounded by all the love and support she needs to help on her healing journey.

It is heartening, too, to see her optimism, especially in these rather dark and uncertain times.

If the role of the Royal Family is to set an example and inspire others, Catherine could hardly be doing a better job.

Her positivity is laudable – and very sincere. There is also a genuine spirituality about her words, which is touching and even perhaps a little bit courageous: she doesn’t shy away from using the word ‘Christmas’.

She seems to have not only faith in God, but also in humanity.

I couldn’t help but feel but feel happy for the Princess of Wales after reading her heartfelt letter, writes SARAH VINE

Catherine’s optimism in her letter is heartening, especially in these dark and uncertain times

Sadly, not everyone can say the same: sometimes life’s vicissitudes can lead people to doubt in the inherent kindness of people and the healing power of love. But it’s obvious from her words that the Princess feels deeply loved and nurtured and that can be in no small part down to the man by her side, Prince William.

When the Waleses released a family video in September, filmed near their Norfolk home, their close connection was palpable. It goes without saying that the true test of a relationship is how you cope during the bad times, and the royal couple seem to have come together in a way that has only strengthened their bond.

In times of hardship, it is too easy to succumb to anger or fear, to lash out at others as a way of transferring the pain elsewhere. In a way, we’ve seen this time and again with Prince Harry, a man whose suffering has more than once turned to rage, often hurting those closest to him and who care about him the most.

The Princess clearly understands such emotions, and urges a different path.

The story of Christmas, she writes, ‘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.’

The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey last year

To find such love is a rare privilege and she acknowledges it, saying: ‘It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.

‘Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.’

Such insights do her credit. The Princess has never been one for oversharing. Indeed, compared to some others in the Royal Family, she has always seemed a little on the reserved side. But just because someone doesn’t endlessly express their feelings does not mean they don’t exist or that they don’t run deep.

She knows her mind, she knows her path – and she has found her light. How many of us can truly say that?