Kate Middleton Arrives at Her Christmas Carol Service Looking Like a Wrapped Holiday Gift

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middletonis kicking off the holiday season with her most meaningfulcarol serviceyet — dressed like a festive present.

The Princess of Wales hosted the fourth annualTogether at Christmasservice, which holds even greater significance this year, coming after a period in whichKate underwent chemotherapyfollowing a cancer diagnosis and major abdominal surgery.

On December 6, Kate, 42, arrived at the magnificent Westminster Abbey in London for the holiday concert. She appeared early solo to greet volunteers before joining her family, who typically arrive just before the service begins.

Kate Middleton arrives for the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

The outing marked Kate’s second public appearance of the week (following herrole in welcoming the Amir of Qatar to the U.K.on Dec. 3) and marked another step in her gradual return to royal duties after completing cancer treatment that began in February.

Outside the Abbey, Princess Kate walked past the “Kindness Tree,” where guests are invited to dedicate a decoration to someone who has been a source of support in their lives. The Order of Service for the program also thankedKing Charlesfor donating trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the church, with plans for the festive firs to be donated to the local community after.

Kate Middleton arrives for the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

The evening promises a moving celebration, featuring traditional Christmas carols, heartfelt readings, ballet, and performances from 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.

Kate Middleton arrives for the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty

HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty

In a poignant addition, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy—who recently revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis—andDownton Abbeystar Michelle Dockery, whose Irish fiancé died from a rare form of cancer in 2022, will also participate in the service.

Each of the 1,600 guests at the Abbey received a heartfelt letter from Princess Kate, in which she spoke of the transformative power of love. She shared that the holiday season is one of her favorite times of the year, describing it as a moment “for celebration and joy.”

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

The Christmas story, Kate said, not only encourages us to consider others, but 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."

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, meets with British singers Olivia Dean (R) and Paloma Faith (2R) during the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service" at Westminster Abbey in London on December 6, 2024.ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty

ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty

“Above all else, it 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,” she continued.

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Fifteen additional services were held across the U.K., and Princess Kate’s letter was shared with guests at each of those events as well.

Once the children are on school holiday, Kate and William will head to their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, to celebrate Christmas with their family. The family is set to mark the holiday withKing Charlesand additional royal family members at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate where the royal family typically spends Christmas every year.

Kate Middleton arrives at the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty

This holiday season will be particularly emotional for both Kate and Charles, 76, who have both faced significant health challenges this year. In September, Kateshared that her chemotherapy treatment had concluded. Charles, who wasdiagnosed with canceraround the same time as Kate, is still undergoing treatment.

Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition:Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.

source: people.com