Princess Kate’s world has been shattered – but I know one thing that’s been a great comfort to her

IT IS no secret that it has been a difficult year for the Princess of Wales.

Following her devastating cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate’s public appearances were kept to a minimum as the royals put her health and healing first.

But royal fans delighted earlier this week when the palace announced that Her Royal Highness would be well enough to host her annual Christmas carol concert.

And according to royal editor Katie Nicholl returning to work will be hugely important to the royal mum after having her ‘world shattered.’

Speaking on show Nicholl says: “When the matter of your health has been shaken it shatters your world.

“I’m sure that being able to get back on email, to get back to meetings, to have that connection with the real world has been a source of great comfort for her.”

She adds: “The wonderful thing about Catherine and why she always makes the front pages is because that smile lights up any room she’s in.

“It’s not forced, fake or artificial, it's genuine and authentic because she takes great joy from the work that she does.”

Nicholls went on to tell The Sun’s Matt Wilkinson that she predicts great things from this year’s concert.

“I feel that the year ends on a note of hope and optimism for her and I think that’s hugely important,” she says.

“I’m predicting a big family turn out, I think the Middletons will all be there, I think the Children will all be there.

“This is Catherine’s baby. 

“It’s a way of ending a turbulent and difficult year on a high.”

This year’s concert — to be screened on Christmas Eve — will have added poignancy after both Kate, 42, and King Charles, 75, have been treated for cancer.

Suitably, the show at London’s Westminster Abbey will include 1,600 unsung heroes who have helped their family and friends or have given up their time to ­volunteer.

It comes after Prince ­William last week called for more empathy in the world.

Filming takes place on Friday, December 6, and will feature carols by the Westminster Abbey choir as well as performances from ­singers Olivia Dean, Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter.

This will be the fourth year Kate has hosted Together at Christmas.

And there will be 15 other ­concerts across the country including at Blackpool Tower and Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

In previous years, Kate has played the piano and Wills has provided Bible readings.

The couple’s children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, have attended each.

A Kensington Palace spokesman on Tuesday said: “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.

“The service will shine a light on individuals who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards ­others in their communities.

“This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many ­people supporting those in need — individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.

“This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story, which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important need of giving and receiving empathy.”

Kate said in September she had completed chemotherapy.

Last weekend, she attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

William recently described the past year as “dreadful”.

The Queen yesterday revealed she was on the mend following her chest infection.

Camilla, 77, told Booker Prize literary finalists at Clarence House: “I’m getting much better. Bit of sort of coughing going on but I really wanted to be here.”