Kate Middleton Arrives at Her Christmas Carol Service Looking Like a Wrapped Holiday Gift!

The Princess of Wales is hosting her fourth annual holiday service at Westminster Abbey

Kate Middleton is kicking off the holiday season with her most meaningful carol service yet — dressed like a festive present!

The Princess of Wales hosted the fourth annual Together at Christmas service, which holds even greater significance this year, coming after a period in which Kate underwent chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis and major abdominal surgery.

On December 6, Kate, 42, arrived at the magnificent Westminster Abbey in London for the holiday concert. She appeared early solo to greet volunteers before joining her family, who typically arrive just before the service begins.

The Princess of Wales popped in a long red coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (her wedding dress designer!) with a large black bow at the collar. She completed the look with pearl drop earrings, black boots and her hair styled in her signature bouncy blowout. Prince William is due to deliver a reading of the first Lesson, and royal watchers hope to see their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, tag along like last year.

The outing marked Kate’s second public appearance of the week (following her role in welcoming the Amir of Qatar to the U.K. on Dec. 3) and marked another step in her gradual return to royal duties after completing cancer treatment that began in February.

Outside the Abbey, Princess Kate walked past the "Kindness Tree," where guests are invited to dedicate a decoration to someone who has been a source of support in their lives. The Order of Service for the program also thanked King Charles for donating trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the church, with plans for the festive firs to be donated to the local community after.

Guests will also treated to performances by young musicians, including a 25-piece steel pan band and a jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting music education for young people.

The evening promises a moving celebration, featuring traditional Christmas carols, heartfelt readings, ballet, and performances from stars such as singers Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith. In addition, pianist Rosey Chan has composed a special piece for the occasion, while soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School will perform a specially created piece.

In a poignant addition, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy—who recently revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis—and Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, whose Irish fiancé died from a rare form of cancer in 2022, will also participate in the service.

During the service, readings centered around the themes of love and empathy will be delivered by Prince William, 42, (including the poignant line, "The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light), actress Sophie Okonedo, and actor Richard E. Grant. Paralympians and Olympians, including Adam Peaty, will also be in attendance.

Each of the 1,600 guests at the Abbey received a heartfelt letter from Princess Kate, in which she spoke of the transformative power of love. She shared that the holiday season is one of her favorite times of the year, describing it as a moment "for celebration and joy."

She added, “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.”

The Christmas story, Kate said, not only encourages us to consider others, but it 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 that 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," she continued.

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Fifteen additional services were held across the U.K., and Princess Kate’s letter was shared with guests at each of those events as well.

Once the children are on school holiday, Kate and William will head to their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, to celebrate Christmas with their family. The family is set to mark the holiday with King Charles and additional royal family members at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate where the royal family typically spends Christmas every year.

This holiday season will be particularly emotional for both Kate and Charles, 76, who have both faced significant health challenges this year. In September, Kate shared that her chemotherapy treatment had concluded. Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer around the same time as Kate, is still undergoing treatment.

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

Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition: Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.