THE Princess of Wales had a heartwarming Christmas get together with a teenager and his footy coach ahead of tonight's carol concert.
Kate, 41, will lead a festive Together at Christmas show tonight with carols and performances from stars including Beverley Knight, Freya Ridings, and James Bay.
The theme of Kate's annual telly spectacular was 'children and families' coming after the princess launched her Shaping Us project to help the under 5s this year.
In a touching behind the scenes video released today by ITV, Kate, dressed in a festive red and white jumper meets 13-year-old Rico and Russell Gray, his coach in Manchester.
Sources say the friendship has helped Rico by building his confidence and allowing him to pursue his passion in football.
Smiling Kate, 41, emerges on screen for a tea party and shakes the youngsters hand saying: "Hi Rico, so nice to meet you.
She asked: "Seeing and building this relationship with Mr Gray, has it helped you with your own relationship with your friends?"
Rico, in a green jumper emblazoned with a football wearing a Santa hat, replied: "It's brought trust because if you can trust one person then you can trust more people."
Russell Gray told Kate: "If you can reach them self-reliance, responsibility, increase their self-esteem, which football and teamwork does all of that, then you've done a good job.
"You should try and give something back and especially children because that's where it all starts."
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The friendly chat will be broadcast on ITV1 as part of the special programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas tonight.
Beverley Knight, Freya Ridings, and James Bay all performed and the service was dedicated to all those who support children in their early years.
Kate was joined by husband Prince William who gave a bible reading and their three children George, 10, Charlotte, eight and five-year-old Louis.
This year the service focuses on the vital importance of early childhood and thanking those who are supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years, as part of the Shaping Us campaign.
Behind the scenes chats viewers can enjoy later also include Kate meeting retired mental health nurse Brenda Ford, who volunteers in local schools in Sussex, and Jenson, 8, and 11-year-old Poppy.
Kate also chats with brothers George, 12, and Henry, 10, sitting with Ray Travasso, a music therapist from the East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH), who has delivered music therapy and support to the family after Henry was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 18 months old.
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