LONDON — The Princess of Wales is set to take a significant step in her return to public engagements this Friday by hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, following her recent battle with cancer treatment.
This year’s event is themed around celebrating the mutual support individuals extend to one another, a subject that has particular relevance to the princess herself, who had to reduce her public engagements for most of 2024 due to abdominal surgery and chemotherapy.
In a letter to the 1,600 invited guests, Kate expressed her gratitude for their contributions to their communities, emphasizing the need for compassion during tough times. She wrote, “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 just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.”
Since its inception in 2021, Kate has been the host of this carol service, which serves to honor the dedication of healthcare professionals and emergency responders, especially as the nation emerged from the pandemic’s shadow. In previous years, she has captivated the audience, notably accompanying Scottish artist Tom Walker on piano for his heartfelt song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here,” which addresses themes of loss and separation resulting from COVID-19.
This year’s order of service will include a cover illustration by British artist Charlie Mackesy, known for his book “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” which spotlights the significance of kindness through the story of an unusual friendship as the characters search for the boy’s home.
Both Kate and her husband, Prince William, have candidly shared the trials they faced this year, with both the princess and King Charles III diagnosed with cancer during this challenging time.
Since undergoing her surgery in February and announcing she would receive cancer treatment shortly thereafter, Kate has made only a handful of public appearances. Her first outings post-chemotherapy were at key national events, including the king’s birthday celebrations and Remembrance Day services honoring those who served in conflict. Earlier this week, she welcomed the emir of Qatar during his official visit to Britain, marking a return to her notable public role.
Meanwhile, King Charles III has gradually resumed public engagements since his cancer announcement in February, although he faced an extended recovery period compared to Kate.
The carol service will feature talented performances from singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith, alongside readings from Prince William, actors Richard E. Grant, Michelle Dockery, and Sophie Okonedo, plus Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty, all contributing to the theme of love and empathy.
The event will be recorded for airing on Christmas Eve on the British network ITV1 and their streaming service ITVX.