The Princess of Wales’ annual carol service will feature a bespoke illustration by Charlie Mackesy, celebrating themes of love and kindness after a difficult year.

Kate, 42, who announced a measured return to public life after completing a preventative course of chemotherapy in September, will be staging her televised Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on December 6.

The event, which will be attended by 1,600 people – including members of the royal family, is set to ‘reflect upon…how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives’.

An illustration by British artist Mackesy – which embodies the service’s themes of kindness, love and empathy – will be featured on the Order of Service.

The image depicts a snowy scene with a group of people walking arm in arm towards Westminster Abbey, accompanied by the words ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’

Mackesy is known for his bestselling book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse – which was published in 2019 and celebrates themes of kindness and friendship.

He said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.

‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’

The Princess of Wales, 42, will return to host her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey – following what has been a challenging year for the Royal Family 

Alongside the Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from the princess thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those in need, telling them ‘Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times’.

During the past year, the princess has returned to public duties after being treated for cancer, while the King is still under the care of cancer specialists, and the service aims to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times.

Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle; as will Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow – who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.

Readings, linked to the theme of love and empathy, will be made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey actor Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo -, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.

Among the invited guests will be those who have supported others, either on a personal level with friends and family, or through their work or volunteering.

Names have been nominated by charities associated with the royal family, and by Lord Lieutenants, the King’s representatives in counties across the UK.

The Middleton family, who are said to have been a great source of support to Kate during her illness, usually attend – and last year Kate and William brought along Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

It will be the fourth time Kate has staged her Together At Christmas carol service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation.

The cover for the Order of Service has been designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and bears a powerful message of hope – as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year 

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The festive event will be broadcast as part of the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas programme, airing on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Ahead of her Together at Christmas concert, Kate shared a behind-the-scenes video of the preparations underway for it. 

Footage shared on the royal’s X account showed the piece of paper being packaged into an envelope and sent away via mailbox.

‘Invites are well on their way ahead of our Together at Christmas Carol Service!’ the caption read, while a seasonal jingle played in the background.

‘Bringing together inspiring people from across the UK, @wabbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities, whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering.’ 

As in previous years, William will support his wife at the concert and plans to give a reading on the theme of ‘love and empathy’. 

It is understood a decision on whether Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, will attend the service is likely to be taken on the day.

In previous years other members of the Royal Family have shown their support, although King Charles and Queen Camilla are not expected to attend this year’s service. 

While King Charles, 76, is continuing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, Queen Camilla, 77, is recovering from the ‘lingering’ side effects of what we now know was a nasty case of pneumonia.