Fresh boost to Princess Kate as royal reveals she’s well enough to host her annual Christmas carol concert
THE Princess of Wales has delivered an early Christmas present by revealing she is well enough to host her annual carol concert.
Kate is set to be joined by husband Prince William and other senior royals to film the festive extravaganza.
This year’s concert — to be screened on Christmas Eve — will have added poignancy after both Kate, 42, and King Charles, 75, have been treated for cancer.
Suitably, the show at London’s Westminster Abbey will include 1,600 unsung heroes who have helped their family and friends or have given up their time to volunteer.
It comes after Prince William last week called for more empathy in the world.
Filming takes place on Friday, December 6, and will feature carols by the Westminster Abbey choir as well as performances from singers Olivia Dean, Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter.
This will be the fourth year Kate has hosted Together at Christmas.
And there will be 15 other concerts across the country including at Blackpool Tower and Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.
In previous years, Kate has played the piano and Wills has provided Bible readings.
The couple’s children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, have attended each.
A Kensington Palace spokesman yesterday 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 who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.
“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 need of giving and receiving empathy.”
Kate said in September she had completed chemotherapy.
Last weekend, she attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
William recently described the past year as “dreadful”.
The Queen yesterday revealed she was on the mend following her chest infection.
Camilla, 77, told Booker Prize literary finalists at Clarence House: “I’m getting much better. Bit of sort of coughing going on but I really wanted to be here.”