Kate Middleton’s recent public reappearance during Remembrance Day has ignited speculation among Britons about whether the Princess of Wales will soon resume her royal duties.
At 42, Kate made it clear that her return to work would be “gradual and staggered,” meaning she would only appear at particularly important moments, such as her Remembrance Day appearance.
However, Kensington Palace has shared some updates on her upcoming plans.
What has Kensington Palace said about Kate Middleton?
Christmas is a very special time for Kate. Despite the cancer she was diagnosed with, the Princess of Wales is already working on one of her favorite events: the traditional carol concert she hosts every year at Westminster Abbey.
This charity event, titled “Together at Christmas,” will take place on Friday, December 6.
Prince William will attend along with other members of the royal family. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether his three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – will be present until the day of the event.
This will be the fourth year that Princess Kate has taken on the role of hostess for “Together at Christmas,” celebrating the best that is being done in communities across the United Kingdom.
According to the Palace release, the Princess of Wales has requested that this year the focus of the event be on people supporting those in need, highlighting the importance of love and empathy.
“Princess Kate 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,’” her office at Kensington Palace said.
“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.”
The event will be recorded and broadcast on ITV1, as well as being available on ITVx in the U.K. on December 24.
Among the artists who have already confirmed their presence are Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter. However, it is still unknown if Kate will surprise with an exclusive performance, as she has on previous occasions.
Recently, the Kensington Palace announcement was accompanied by a surprise video. On November 13, the Princess of Wales’ team shared a clip showing the invitations for her fourth annual carol service.
“Something exciting is coming…,” Princess Kate’s team wrote on X, adding emojis of a Christmas tree and musical notes. “The invitations are fresh off the press for this year’s Together At Christmas Carol Service, which will be returning to Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 6,” the message continued. “We can’t wait for you to join us too! Tune in on @ITV and @ITVX on Christmas Eve.”
The brief video, accompanied by festive music with a jingle bell sound, showed a metallic press crafting the actual invitations.
While the video did not fully reveal the expected invitation, it did show that the white cards are adorned with Princess Kate’s royal cipher. Stamped in gold, the cipher showed a “C” for Catherine (the princess’s full name) beneath a crown.
Kensington Palace announced that 1,600 people will be invited to this year’s Christmas concert. All in all, it feels like Kate’s Christmas will be loaded with love and solidarity, even as she continues on her road to recovery.
Something exciting is coming… 🎄🎵
The invitations are fresh off the press for this year’s Together At Christmas Carol Service, which will be returning to Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December.
We can’t wait for you to join us too! Tune in on @ITV and @ITVX on Christmas Eve. pic.twitter.com/knmlyN6PZt
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 13, 2024