Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to share special moment with Kate before Christmas

A former BBC royal correspondent suggests that it will be a great opportunity for Princess Kate to show unity with her close family, including her three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, after a "brutal" year for the royals.

Jenny Bond, said: "It’s a date that many of her family, on both sides, will not want to miss.”

She added: “I’m sure they will make it as big a family event as possible.

“It will also be a chance for the children to see mum back in action, looking well and happy. And that will be the best Christmas present they could hope for.

“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."

Bond explains that the concert has been something Catherine has focused on since the Princess of Wales temporarily stepped back from royal duties in March this year.

She said: "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.

“And, just as we were told that the King’s recent tour was a real fillip for him, this concert will undoubtedly be a boost for her confidence as she slowly returns to the public arena."

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Princess Kate's undertook consecutive royal duties for the first time since her cancer diagnosis as she attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Sunday Service at the Cenotaph.

Bond said: “At the weekend, we saw Sophie, with a simple hand on Catherine’s back, showing us all how the family are helping to shepherd her gently back into public life.”

The festive celebration will bring together 1,600 people who have dedicated themselves to supporting others in their communities.

Viewers can watch the special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.