Kate Middleton's Christmas carol concert WILL return this year with a very special theme

The Princess of Wales is set to go ahead with her annual carol concert this Christmas, in what will be one of her highest-profile appearances after a "brutal" year where she has undergone cancer treatment

The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol concert this year which will reflect on "how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives".

Kate, 42, is recovering from cancer after what the Prince of Wales described as a "brutal" year. It will be one of the highest profile appearances she's done in recent months, since revealing in an intimate video she was recovering from cancer.

Despite her health struggles, she was determined the annual televised festive event at Westminster Abbey would go ahead on December 6, to be broadcast on Christmas Eve.

It will be the fourth time the Princess has hosted the Together At Christmas Service, which has become a popular highlight of the royal calendar.

During the first concert in a huge top secret surprise, she played the piano alongside Tom Walker and last year it was the first time Prince Louis joined his older siblings at the event.

It is one of the few engagements chosen for her gradual return to public duties after finishing chemotherapy treatment in the summer.

Kensington Palace said Kate particularly wanted the service's theme to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy.

Kensington Palace said: "This year's service provides a moment to 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 service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities."

The Palace added: "This year, Her Royal Highness wanted 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.

"This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy."

In recent days, as she carried out royal engagements with her family, this message of “love and empathy” was plain to see, as the royal family supported each other.

At the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance, Prince William, put a comforting arm around his beaming wife as they arrived and sat chatting after they took their seats.

While The King, whose wife was home with a chest infection but is now ‘on the mend,’, was joined by his sister Princess Anne throughout the Royal Albert hall event.

The next day on Remembrance Sunday, Kate, stood alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, to watch King Charles and Prince William lay a wreath at the Cenotaph. Sophie also put a protective arm around the younger mum-of-two.

Kate’s Together At Christmas carol service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation, will be filmed and broadcast as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX.

Members of the royal family will gather with the princess as some 1,600 people fill the abbey in London to see musical performances by stars including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.

Among the invited guests will be those who have supported others, either on a personal level with friends and family, or through their work or volunteering.

Names have been nominated by charities associated with the royal family, and by Lord Lieutenants, the King's representatives in counties across the UK.

The Middleton family, who are also said to have been a great source of support to Kate during her illness, usually attend.

Decorations at the abbey will be inspired by nature and the service will combine traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none. In addition, 15 Together At Christmas community carol services will be taking place across the UK including at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and Blackpool Tower Circus.

On Tuesday, the Queen arrived at a Booker Prize reception in her first public engagement since falling ill with a chest infection. The Queen told Booker Prize Foundation chief executive Gaby Wood: "I'm obviously getting much better. A bit of sort of coughing going on. I really wanted to come."

It is her first public engagement since she contracted the seasonal bug following her long-haul tour to Australia and Samoa two-and-a-half weeks ago.

The Queen went on to speak with the six shortlisted authors, and told Percival Everett: "I think I'm on the mend, but these things always take a bit of time to get rid of. You think you've got rid of it, then they just sort of hang on for a little bit, but hopefully I'm on the mend now."