Kate Middleton kicks off the holiday season with her most meaningful Christmas service yet – dressed like a festive gift.

The Princess of Wales hosted the fourth annual event Together at Christmas The service has even greater significance this year as Kate underwent chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis and major abdominal surgery.

On December 6, 42-year-old Kate arrived in London for the holiday concert at the magnificent Westminster Abbey. She arrived early alone to greet volunteers before joining her family, who usually arrive shortly before the service begins.

The Princess of Wales wore a long red coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (the designer of her wedding dress!) with a large black bow at the collar. She completed the look with pearl earrings, black boots and her signature voluminous hair. Prince William is scheduled to give a reading of the first lesson, and royal watchers are hoping their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, will be there like last year.

The outing marked Kate’s second public appearance this week (following her role in welcoming the Emir of Qatar to the UK on December 3) and marked another step in her gradual return to royal duties following the completion of cancer treatment that began in February.

Outside the abbey, Princess Kate walked past the Tree of Kindness, where guests are invited to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them in their life. The Order of Service for the program also thanked King Charles for donating trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the church, with plans to then donate the festive fir trees to the local community.

Guests will also be treated to performances by young musicians, including a 25-piece steel pan band and a jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting music education for young people.

The evening promises a moving celebration with traditional Christmas carols, heartfelt readings, ballet and performances by stars such as singers Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith. In addition, pianist Rosey Chan has composed a special piece for the occasion, while soloists from the Royal Ballet and students from the Royal Ballet School will perform a specially created piece.

A poignant addition: Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy, who recently announced his terminal cancer diagnosis, and Downton Abbey Star Michelle Dockery, whose Irish fiancé died of a rare form of cancer in 2022, will also attend the service.

During the service, Prince William, 42, will give readings around the themes of love and empathy (including the poignant line: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light), actress Sophie Okonedo and actor Richard E .Grant. Paralympists and Olympians, including Adam Peaty, will also be in attendance.

Each of the abbey’s 1,600 guests received a heartfelt letter from Princess Kate in which she spoke of the transformative power of love. She shared that the holidays are one of her favorite times of the year, describing it as a moment of “celebration and joy.”

She added: “It also gives us an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.” When we pause and step away from the pressures of daily life, we find the space to live our lives with an open heart “To live with love, kindness and forgiveness – so much of what the Christmas spirit is about.”

The Christmas story, says Kate, not only encourages us to be considerate of others, but it also “reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving compassion, and how much we care for each other despite our own vulnerabilities Differences need.” .”

“Above all, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that forgives, and love that brings joy and hope,” she continued.

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Fifteen other services were held across the United Kingdom, and at each of these events Princess Kate’s letter was also passed on to guests.

Once the children are out of school, Kate and William will head to their country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk to celebrate Christmas with their family. The family will celebrate the holiday with King Charles and other members of the royal family at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate where the royal family normally spends Christmas each year.

This holiday season will be particularly emotional for both Kate and Charles, 76, as they have both faced significant health issues this year. In September, Kate announced that her chemotherapy treatment had been completed. Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer around the same time as Kate, is still undergoing treatment.

The service will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together at Christmason ITV1 and ITVX in the UK on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm.

Dive into royal holiday traditions with the special edition of PEOPLE: Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.