Kate Middleton stuns at Christmas Day service after ‘brutal’ year
Kate Middleton ended a “brutal” year with a holiday party.
The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she joined her father-in-law King Charles III on a traditional Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on Wednesday.
The service took place at Sandringham on the windswept North Sea coast, which has been a retreat for the royal family for generations.
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Catherine, Princess of Wales attends Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on December 25, 2024. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
He was 42 years old accompanied by her husband Prince Williamand their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Other members of the British royal family also greeted well-wishers.
From left: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles III attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Kate was dressed for the walk festive green Alexander McQueen coat. The princess completed her look with a matching fascinator and gloves, along with black gloves and boots. The princess laughed as she shook hands with members of the public who lined up to catch a glimpse of the king. He also accepted flowers and talked with young children.
The year has been turbulent for Kate. In January, Kensington Palace announced plans to undergo tummy tuck surgery. He has been out of sight for several months, fueling conspiracy theories about his health.
Kate Middleton wore an Alexander McQueen ensemble for a holiday outing. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
In March, Kate put speculation to rest after announcing she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. His announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that the 76-year-old royal was also being treated for cancer. Earlier this year, the monarch underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Although she has stepped away from most public engagements during her treatment, Kate made two appearances earlier this year. First, he received a standing ovation at the King’s birthday parade in June, known as the Color Fight, and at the men’s final at Wimbledon in July.
King Charles III and Kate Middleton have been diagnosed with cancer this year. (Getty Images)
In September, Kate announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. In a video announcing his progress, he said that the road to full recovery will be long and that he will take it day by day. He said he will make some limited commitments before the end of the year.
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Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Catherine, Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussain/WireImage/Getty Images)
The prince looked emotional as he hosted the annual ‘Together Christmas’ carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
At the event, Kate said, as quoted by People magazine, that “she had no idea this year was going to be the one I just had… unplanned.”
“But I think a lot of people have had such a hard time this year, and a lot of people here today,” he said.
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On December 6, Kate Middleton hosted the annual carol service at Westminster Abbey. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
In November, William said he was facing “the hardest year of my life”.
The 42-year-old spoke candidly about his “brutal” year during an interview with reporters in Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, he was attending the fourth annual Earthshot Awards.
“It’s been terrible. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life,” the Prince of Wales was quoted as saying by People magazine.
“… I’m proud of my wife, I’m proud of my dad that I got through what they did. But from a personal family perspective, yes, it’s been brutal.”
Prince William took time off from royal duties to support his wife and father. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“So it’s been very difficult to cope with everything and keep things on track,” he said.
“But I’m proud of my wife, I’m proud of my dad that I got through what they did,” William said. “But, from a personal family perspective … it’s been brutal.”
During the interview, William shared an update on Kate’s health, telling reporters that she was “doing fine.”
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When told he looked “relaxed”, William replied: “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting that you all see that.”
“But it’s more just a cracking job and you have to keep going,” he said. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy taking myself out and making sure I have time for my family too.”
Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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