Beaming Kate dons festive red coat and waves at crowds as she films Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey
BEAMING Princess Kate has donned a festive red coat to wave at crowds at Westminster Abbey ahead of her Christmas carol concert.
The Princess of Wales will kick off star-studded Christmas celebrations tonight in her most poignant carol service yet after her cancer diagnosis.
She arrived at the abbey this evening wearing a red coat designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Kate will be joined by Prince William and royal kids Princes George, Louis and Princess Charlotte for the Together at Christmas celebration in Westminster Abbey.
She has written to all 1,600 guests about how this year’s theme of love and empathy is about “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.
It is expected to be a particularly moving service for her personally given the Princess’ tough year, which included her cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy and spiteful trolling.
The Sun revealed last month that children who survived the Southport tragedy in July will be attending too.
Kate also writes in the letter to guests how Christmas “encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others.”
The venue has been decorated with festive decorations and foliage and a Kindness Tree is stationed outside, which the kids are expected to put a decoration on.
Other members of the Royal Family including King Charles and Queen Camilla will also attend.
Camilla has been battling post viral fatigue.
The celebration will feature performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Paloma Daith, Gregory Porter and JP Cooper.
Speeches will also be given by The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, and actors Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, who has terminal cancer, is also a guest.
Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities, either on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or by volunteering.
Mum-of-three Kate’s annual Together At Christmas concert on December 6 will be the first since completing her gruelling chemotherapy treatment in September.
Some 1,600 invites have been sent out, with Kate keen to celebrate individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted — and “above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive”.
The concert also comes as King Charles recovers from cancer.
This year’s event is Kate’s fourth.
In 2021 she surprised guests with a solo piano recital and there are rumours she may be planning something special again this year.
Announcing the concert, a Palace spokesman 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.
“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.”
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent abdominal surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the Princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but pens letter to Irish Guards revealing: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 15: Kate attends Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attends the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
August 11: Kate and William release video congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics
August 25: Kate is seen heading to church
September 9: Kate shares moving video revealing she has finished chemotherapy
October 15: Kate shares hand written note during Baby Loss Awareness Week