The Princess of Wales has taken on her biggest event in her comeback from cancer by hosting her annual Christmas carols at Westminster Abbey.

The radiant royal made a glowing entrance wearing red from head to toe, followed later by the Prince of Wales and their three children also wearing red.

The princess said the Together at Christmas Carol service was to shine a light on people who have shown “love, kindness and empathy” towards others in the UK.

Guests included people who helped others in the community, whether in their own families, through their work or volunteering.

“A wonderful time spent together with friends, family and those who make a real difference to the people around them,” the Wales posted afterwards on Saturday morning (AEDT).

“This year’s Together at Christmas Carol Service celebrated individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive. Thank you for all you do!”

Kate, 42, who is recovering from cancer hosted the televised festive event at Westminster Abbey, the same location she married Prince William in 2011.

It was her most prominent return to royal engagements since she ended months of cancer treatment.

Kate has made only a handful of public appearances this year, after having major abdominal surgery in January.

During a candid moment at the service, she told singer Paloma Faith: “I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had.”

Kate Middleton was radiant in red. Photo: AAP

The carol service was the fourth the princess has organised.

The Prince of Wales told the Christmas story in bible readings.

There were musical performances by Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter and JP Cooper.

Dancers from the Royal Ballet performed as the Choir of Westminster Abbey sang John Rutter’s anthem Colours of Christmas.

“An evening to come together and celebrate this festive season as the Together at Christmas Carol Service returns to Westminster Abbey,” the princess posted to X after the service.

“Shining a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.”

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”.

After disappearing from public view for two months, she delivered an emotional video message to the world in March, revealing she was having preventative chemotherapy when subsequent tests revealed cancer.

In November, 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.

In the concert’s inaugural year in 2021, Kate used it to honour individuals and groups who helped communities during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2022, she dedicated the concert to the late Queen Elizabeth, who had died just two months earlier.

Kate and the kids read special messages on the Kindness Tree. Photo: AAP

Joining Kate and other members of the royal family at this year’s service were 1600 invitees who have supported others in their communities.

The event is filmed and broadcast as part of a special program on British TV on Christmas Eve.