Princess Kate returns to Christmas carol service

The Princess of Wales will make her most prominent return to royal engagements since having treatment for cancer when she hosts the annual Christmas carol service at London's Westminster Abbey.

Kate, the wife of Prince William, has only made a handful of public appearances after having major abdominal surgery in January, before undergoing a course of chemotherapy when subsequent tests revealed cancer.

Last weekend she attended two high-profile Remembrance Day events to commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict as part of her gradual return to official duties, but the carol service - the fourth she has organised - will be the first major royal event she has hosted herself.

"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," her office, Kensington Palace, said in a statement on Tuesday.

That message echoes the one Kate gave in an update on her health in September when she said her illness had made her grateful for "simply loving and being loved".

On a solo trip to Africa last week, William said Kate was doing "really well" and she had been "amazing" this year.

But he also said it had been "brutal" for the family with Kate's treatment coming after his father King Charles' own cancer diagnosis.

Joining Kate and other members of the royal family at the Westminster Abbey 'Together At Christmas' service will be 1600 people who have supported others in their communities.