The Princess of Wales has said movingly that she ‘didn’t know’ what 2024 had in store for her at last year’s Christmas carol service as she arrived to host her fourth annual event at Westminster Abbey.
This time last year Kate, 42, was focusing on her work and children, and looking forward to the festive season with little inclination of what was to come.
Weeks later she underwent abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy. Kate and Prince William found their lives turned upside down.
Now, having completed her treatment, the royal is beginning to return to public duties and has held her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at historic Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.
Kate was joined by her husband the Prince of Wales and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, to host her Together At Christmas carol service.
It is the first time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.
She was also accompanied by the wider Middleton family, from supportive mother Carole to sister Pippa, 41, and brother James, 37.
The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements before walking around to greet other guests.
When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate, 42, replied: ‘I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had.
She went on: ‘The unplanned… but I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times and many who are here today…’
The Princess of Wales is seen leaving the carol concert with George and Charlotte
Her Royal HIghness was sure to wave at crowds as she headed out of the concert
Princess of Wales attends the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
A beaming Princess of Wales stands with Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith at Westminster Abbey on the day of the Together At Christmas carol service
When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate, 42, replied: ‘I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had’
William left alongside Prince George, William and Louis
Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton were also in attendance
Cousin Princess Beatrice – with her husband and ‘bonus’ son Wolfie – also came along
Cheeky Prince Louis stole the show with his cheeky appearance
Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton, James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet depart from the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service
The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service
Princess Charlotte and Prince George with their candles as they attend the carol concert with their parents
Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service
Prince George sat next to Prince William during the festive service, with both wearing matching red ties
The Princess of Wales sat net to Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who matched their mother’s red ensemble, during the carol concert
For today’s outing, Kate put on an elegant display in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with her black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion.
She was joined just before the start of the event by her three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – as well as her husband, the Prince of Wales, who will read the first Lesson.
Both Prince George and Prince Louis were wearing festive red ties to match their mother’s outfit, while Princess Charlotte had on a red coat.
The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout, was also present, as were other members of the Royal Family, including Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Pregnant Beatrice was joined by her husband Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and her stepson Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi.
Other royal guests included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter.
The King and Queen, however, were not amongst the guests.
Her father-in-law has, however, donated Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will later be donated to the local community.
Looking typically stylish for the outing, Kate completed her festive ensemble with a red check skirt, her Mulberry Amberley Baroque Pearl Earrings and a £110 Gold Plated bangle by British brand Halcyon Days.
The bangle is thought to have been a birthday present from Prince William in 2020, and features a subtle nod to Princess Diana as it’s called ‘the Salamander Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold Bangle ‘ – named after the late royal’s favourite flower….
