LONDON – Next month, Princess Kate will be making a notable return to her royal duties by hosting an annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London, marking her first significant public event since her cancer treatment.

The Princess of Wales, married to Prince William, has only appeared publicly a few times since her significant abdominal surgery in January and subsequent preventative chemotherapy after cancer was detected in later tests.

Recently, she participated in two prominent Remembrance events to honor those who died in conflict signifies her gradual return to royal engagements. However, the upcoming carol service, which is her fourth organization of the event, will be the first major occasion she has exclusively hosted.

Kensington Palace shared in a statement, “This year’s service offers a chance to reflect on the value of love and compassion, especially during life’s toughest moments when we need each other the most.”

This sentiment resonates with a message Kate conveyed in September, expressing that her illness had made her increasingly appreciative of “loving and being loved,” alongside her three children with William — Princess Charlotte, age 9, and Princes George, age 11, and Louis, age 6.

During a recent solo visit to Africa, William remarked that Kate was doing “really well” and had been “amazing” this year.

However, he also mentioned that this period has been “brutal” for their family, as it coincides with his father, King Charles’, own cancer diagnosis.

At the Westminster Abbey “Together at Christmas” gathering, Kate will be joined by 1,600 people who have dedicated themselves to supporting their communities.

The service, set to be televised on Britain’s ITV on Christmas Eve, will also include performances by artists like Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, and Gregory Porter.