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| Kate has made only a few public appearances since she underwent abdominal surgery in February. (AP PHOTO) |
By Danica Kirka in London
The Princess of Wales has taken another step in her return to public life following cancer treatment, in hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Dressed on Friday in a festive red coat featuring a large black bow on the collar and black buttons, Kate was met by clergy in front of a row of Christmas trees decorated with glittering white lights.
This year’s concert is designed to celebrate the support people give to one another, especially as they struggle through difficult times, a theme that may have particular resonance for the princess after abdominal surgery and chemotherapy forced her to step back from public duties for much of 2024.
Kate alluded to this in a letter thanking the 1600 people invited to attend the event because of their efforts to help others in their communities.
“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” Kate wrote.
“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 has hosted the carol service since it began in 2021, celebrating the work of doctors, nurses and emergency workers as Britain returned to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The princess wowed the audience, playing the piano to accompany Scottish singer Tom Walker on his song For Those Who Can’t Be Here, inspired by the loss and separation caused by the pandemic.
Kate and husband Prince William have been open about the challenges they faced this year as both the princess and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer.
The princess has made only a few public appearances since she underwent abdominal surgery in February and then announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer a few weeks later.
First published at Canberra City News, via AAP, December 7, 2024
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