Kate Middleton opened up about her devastating year after being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
The Princess of Wales, 42, made a rare comment about her health battle at the fourth annual “Together at Christmas” service on Dec. 6, held at Westminster Abbey in London.
It was her second appearance this week, as she’s slowly returning to royal duties following her treatment that started in February.
When asked by performer Paloma Faith about her health, Middleton answered truthfully.
“I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” she stated, per a video of the conversation posted by Channel 5 News in the UK.
“The unplanned,” Faith replied, to which the princess agreed.
“The unplanned, exactly,” Middleton repeated while nodding her head. “But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”
This year’s Christmas carol service included themes of love and empathy, chosen by the princess after her “incredibly tough” news in March that she was undergoing cancer treatment.
Last month, her husband, Prince William, commented on the family’s “brutal” 2024, revealing this has “probably been the hardest year in my life” after the cancer battles of both his wife and father, King Charles III.
In September, Middleton revealed she was cancer-free.
“I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she penned her heartfelt statement on X.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
Middleton appeared happy and healthy at the Christmas carol service alongside her family, including the couple’s three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
The Prince and Princess of Wales escorted their kids to the famous Kindness Tree, where guests dedicated a decoration to someone who has been a source of support in their lives.
Prince Louis was spotted hanging on to his decoration, which was revealed to be a handwritten note with an adorable message about his grandparents.
“Thank you for Granny and Grandpa because they have played games with me,” his message read.
Louis was then seen placing his decoration on the tree.
While Middleton has been cancer-free for roughly three months, King Charles is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Both Charles and Queen Camilla were absent from the Christmas carol service. There was no official statement given regarding their absence; however, Camilla is still recovering from a recent bout of pneumonia.
