Kate Middleton has officially ushered in the holiday season with what is perhaps her most significant carol service to date, dressed festively like a gift.

The Princess of Wales hosted the fourth annual Together at Christmas service, which holds special importance this year following her battle with cancer, during which she underwent chemotherapy and major abdominal surgery.

On December 6, the 42-year-old royal arrived at Westminster Abbey in London for the holiday concert. Kate appeared early to personally greet volunteers before reuniting with her family, who traditionally arrive just before the service begins.

For the occasion, the Princess stunned in a vibrant red coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, her wedding dress designer. The coat featured a striking black bow at the collar, and she paired it with pearl drop earrings, black boots, and her signature bouncy blowout hairstyle. Prince William is scheduled to deliver a reading of the First Lesson, while royal fans eagerly await the potential appearance of their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, as they did last year.

This event marked Kate’s second public appearance of the week, following her role in welcoming the Amir of Qatar to the U.K. on December 3. It also symbolized another step in her gradual return to royal duties after completing cancer treatment, which began in February.

Outside Westminster Abbey, Princess Kate passed by the “Kindness Tree,” a special feature where guests could dedicate decorations to honor someone who has been a source of support in their lives. The Order of Service also expressed gratitude to King Charles for providing trees from Windsor Great Park to adorn the church. After the service, these festive firs are set to be donated to the local community.

Guests will also enjoy performances by talented young musicians, including a 25-piece steel pan band and a jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a non-profit organization committed to supporting youth music education.

The evening promises to be a heartfelt celebration, blending traditional Christmas carols, poignant readings, ballet, and stellar performances by artists like Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, and Paloma Faith. Pianist Rosey Chan has composed a unique piece for the occasion, while soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School will present a specially choreographed performance.

In a deeply moving touch, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy—who recently shared his terminal cancer diagnosis—and Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, whose fiancé passed away from a rare cancer in 2022, will also take part in the service.

Readings during the event will focus on themes of love and empathy. Prince William, 42, will deliver one of them, featuring the poignant line, “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Other readings will be presented by actress Sophie Okonedo and actor Richard E. Grant. The service will also welcome prominent athletes, including Olympians and Paralympians such as Adam Peaty.

Each of the 1,600 guests at Westminster Abbey received a heartfelt letter from Princess Kate, in which she reflected on the transformative power of love. She expressed her affection for the holiday season, calling it one of her favorite times of the year and a moment “for celebration and joy.”

Kate wrote, “It also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness — so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

She added that the Christmas story not only inspires us to think of others but 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.”

“Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear—the love we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope,” Princess Kate continued in her letter.

In addition to the main event at Westminster Abbey, 15 other services were held across the U.K., where Kate’s heartfelt message was shared with guests.

Once their children begin their school holiday, Kate and William plan to retreat to their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, to celebrate Christmas with their family. They are also expected to join King Charles and other royal family members at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate where the royals traditionally spend the holiday season.

This holiday season holds special emotional significance for both Kate and King Charles, 76, as they have faced major health challenges this year. In September, Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. Meanwhile, Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer around the same time, continues to undergo treatment.

The Together at Christmas service will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas on ITV1 and ITVX in the U.K., airing at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.