The Princess of Wales will highlight love and empathy at Together at Christmas carol service

The Princess of Wales is leading with love and empathy as she brings back her Together at Christmas carol service this December.

Catherine’s annual carol service will take place on 6 December at Westminster Abbey and will “reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.”

The theme may be of particular interest to Catherine, who has spent the year largely out of the limelight recovering from major abdominal surgery and receiving preventative chemotherapy after cancer had been found following the operation.

In September, after revealing that her chemotherapy had ended, Catherine released a message saying: “This time has above all reminded William and me 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.”

The royal has made a gradual return to public life, only appearing a handful of times since the summer—notably twice over the Remembrance Sunday weekend.

Kensington Palace has released details of the upcoming carol service, noting that individuals across the United Kingdom “who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities” will be spotlighted.

The Palace said Catherine was particularly keen to celebrate “the many people supporting those in need—individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive,” and that the theme of the Christmas story has been a particular focus this year.

In total, 1,600 guests, nominated by the Lord-Lieutenants around the United Kingdom, will be in attendance for Together at Christmas, joined by members of the Royal Family in addition to Catherine and William.

Among the performers are Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter, as well as the Westminster Abbey choirs to sing carols. Young performers from Restore the Music will provide musical interludes as guests arrive.

While Together at Christmas happens at Westminster Abbey, there will also be 15 community services aligned with Catherine’s carol service around the United Kingdom. These include services in Aberdeen, Kent, Cornwall, Norfolk, Powys, Somerset, and West Yorkshire, among other locations.

Catherine spearheaded Together at Christmas in 2021 following the global pandemic, wanting a way to thank first responders and frontline healthcare workers and those who helped out their communities in a trying time.

It has since grown into a beloved annual event with a different theme each year. In 2022, the carol service paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2023, the carol service recognised the early years.

Together at Christmas will be filmed by ITV and will air on Christmas Eve.