Kate Middleton and Prince William's kids 'proud' over 'important milestone' in cancer recovery
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are preparing to head back to the classroom at Lambrook School as the October half term comes to an end on 4 November. However, there is a lot to look forward to as the countdown to the Christmas break begins - as well as a very special moment for their mum, the Princess of Wales.
After facing an incredibly challenging year which has seen her undergo abdominal surgery and be diagnosed with cancer, the Princess will surely be looking forward to being able to put this year behind her. Before she does, however, she has one important milestone to celebrate, the return of her annual carol concert, Together At Christmas.
After it appeared in the Court Circular that the Princess had held closed-door meetings to discuss plans for the concert's fourth year, anticipation for one of the most-loved royal Christmas traditions began to grow, with a leading royal expert also reflecting on how excited Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will be to see their mum back in action.
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Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!: "Halloween, Bonfire night, Christmas – they all come in a bit of a rush at this time of year, but it’s an exciting time for children – and for parents who like to join in the fun with spooky decorations, huge bonfires fireworks, toasted marshmallows and, of course, Christmas carols.
"This will obviously be a very special carol concert for Catherine, and the whole family. They will be so proud to see her back taking a leading role in one of her very own projects, and I imagine that as many members of the Royal Family as possible will join her this year."
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On how her family will feel, Jennie adds: "It will be a proud moment for William, and a joyful and reassuring one for the children. Mum is back, doing her thing. It won’t signal a return to royal duties for Catherine, but it will certainly be an important and hugely welcome milestone along her road to full recovery."
Despite the Princess having had an incredibly challenging year after she was diagnosed with cancer, she will return with a bang for the fourth annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December.
The service – which usually airs on Christmas Eve after being filmed earlier in the month – has quickly become one of the most highly-anticipated royal events, as well as the true start to the festive season. It sees several members of the Royal Family, including several youngsters like Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, come together to support Catherine and various charities.
There is a different theme each year. While the concert in 2022 showcased the Princess’ own musical talents and paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II through the image of beloved storybook character Paddington Bear, last year was closer to home for Kate and drew on the important work she is doing in the field of early childhood.
In the run up to the service – which is supported by the Royal Foundation – the palace released a statement to “thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in our communities across the U.K. and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings."
Away from the theme, which coincided with the year that the Princess launched Shaping Us – a campaign which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child's life – there were other special moments.
One of the most memorable was when the Wales children, including cheeky Prince Louis who made his first appearance at the service, sweetly drop off Christmas cards to children who may struggle during the festive season in a special red postbox outside the Abbey. We cooed as Louis’ face lit up as he recognised actor Jim Broadbent as he read letters from Father Christmas and then laughed as he determinedly tried to blow out sister Charlotte’s candle.
Although the theme is yet to be set and the special guests are still to be announced, there is no doubt that this year’s service will truly be the light at the end of an incredibly challenging 12 months.
The idea of the concert has always been heralded as a success and has served as the catalyst to encourage the Princess to step out on her own. The sense of confidence the spectacle gives Catherine is something which Jennie noticed.
She told OK! last year: “It has become an occasion when we see quite a large turnout of the Royal Family, which really marks the beginning of the royal Christmas. In a way I think the concert was the springboard for Kate to be seen as her own woman, launching solo projects and concentrating on causes and issues in which she’s personally invested.
"It’s one of those evenings when the rest of the royal family take a back seat. This is Kate’s baby, and Kate’s night. William always looks as if he is bursting with pride when his wife takes centre stage - which she now does with confidence.”
