The Princess of Wales is set to lead her annual Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey, partaking in Royal duties again as she recovers post-cancer treatment.
Today, Kensington Palace revealed that Kate convened with top aides and figures from the Royal Foundation to cement details for the ‘Together At Christmas’ charity event. Earlier this month, the princess shared news of finishing her preventative chemotherapy, after being diagnosed with cancer back in February. It will be the fourth year the princess has hosted the event for local charities in front of a host of celebrity names.
Advisors remarked on the positive step that the mother of three was able to resume light duties, indicating her improving health, while also looking forward to resuming public appearances in the future. It has been underscored by palace staff that any forthcoming engagements will consider her ongoing recuperation; nonetheless, the carol concert is the princess’s first confirmed engagement since the concert last December.
Despite the hurdles in her health journey, the Princess made an appearance at the Wimbledon Men’s Final in July with Princess Charlotte, nine, and her sister, Pippa. A palace insider commented: “The princess continues to be making a good recovery and is looking forward to getting back to public life.”
The concert will be recorded in December and aired on ITV on Christmas Eve at 7.30 pm. Last year, Kate, now 42, was joined by a host of pop stars as she presided over the annual service at the Abbey, with performances from Beverley Knight, Freya Ridings, and James Bay, reports the Mirror.
The event honoured individuals working to support children in their early years.
In previous years, the broadcast included additional content that highlighted the importance of early years, featuring contributions from celebrities like Rio and Kate Ferdinand and Dame Sheila Hancock. It is expected that tomorrow’s Court Circular will announce: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning held a Meeting at Windsor Castle.”
Back in June, amid her ongoing treatment, it was reported by Kensington Palace that the princess continued to work behind the scenes, engaging in virtual discussions with her team. Recently, the Princess hosted another meeting at Windsor with her Early Childhood Centre teamher first official session since being hospitalised in January for abdominal surgery.
She spent two weeks at The London Clinic before she was discharged and dealt with a secondary diagnosis of cancer some weeks later.
Kate garnered widespread praise earlier this month for her candid statement in which she described her cancer experience as “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you”. The princess also stated: “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”
Additionally, Kate talked about how her partner Prince William, 42, has been an unwavering source of support. Together, they have had time to “reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Further emphasising her ongoing battle, she said: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”