Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are gearing up for their comeback to the classrooms at Lambrook School as the October half term comes to an end on 4 November. There’s plenty for them to get excited about with the festive season on the horizon, not least because their mum, the Princess of Wales, is preparing for a significant moment.

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. But before she does, she has one important milestone to celebrate, the return of her annual carol concert, Together At Christmas, something that will delight her family, a top royal expert tells OK!

Excitement for this favoured royal holiday event kicked off when it was revealed in the Court Circular that the Princess had secret meetings regarding the fourth iteration of the concert. Royal fans and indeed Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis must be thrilled to witness the Princess in her element once again.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the magazine: “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.”

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 a tough year battling cancer, the Princess is set to make a triumphant return at the fourth annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December. The service, typically broadcasted on Christmas Eve after being recorded earlier in the month, has rapidly become a much-anticipated royal event and marks the official start of the festive season.

It brings together several members of the Royal Family, including young royals like Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, to support Catherine and various charities.

Each year brings a different theme. The 2022 concert highlighted the Princess’ musical talents and paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II through the beloved storybook character, Paddington Bear.

This was a departure from last year’s theme, which focused on Kate’s significant work in early childhood development. In anticipation of the service, supported by the Royal Foundation, the palace issued a statement expressing gratitude to “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.”

The theme coincided with the year the Princess launched Shaping Us, a campaign emphasising the importance of a child’s formative years. There were other special moments too. One standout was when the Wales children, including a playful Prince Louis making his debut at the service, adorably delivered Christmas cards to children who might find the festive season challenging, using a special red post box outside the Abbey.

We all melted as Louis’ face lit up recognising actor Jim Broadbent reading letters from Father Christmas, and then chuckled as he tried to blow out sister Charlotte’s candle.

While the theme and special guests for this year’s service are yet to be announced, it’s certain that the event will serve as a beacon of hope after a challenging 12 months. The concert has always been seen as a success, acting as a springboard for the Princess to step out on her own.

Jennie noticed the confidence boost the event gives Catherine. 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.”