LONDON - Princess Kate will make her most prominent return to royal engagements since having treatment for cancer next month when she hosts an annual Christmas carol service at London's Westminster Abbey.

The Princess of Wales, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, has only made a handful of public appearances after having major abdominal surgery in January, and then undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy when subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer.

Last weekend she attended two high-profile Remembrance 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 organized — 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.

Princess Kate's return:British royal makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

That message echoes the one Kate, who has three children with William — Princess Charlotte, 9, and Princes George, 11, and Louis, 6 — 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 that she had been "amazing" this year.

But he also said it had been "brutal" for the family with Kate's treatment coming in the wake of 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 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities.

More royals news:Princess Kate makes surprise appearance with Prince William after finishing chemotherapy

The event, which will be broadcast on Britain's ITV on Christmas Eve, will also feature performances by singers Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.