Duchess Kate ended a “brutal” year with some holiday cheer.
The Princess of Wales was all smiles on Wednesday as she took part in the traditional Christmas walk to St Mary Magdalene Church with her father-in-law, King Charles III.
The memorial service was held at Sandringham, a mansion on the windswept North Sea coast that has been a royal retreat for generations.
Kate Middleton, Prince William's Christmas card gives an intimate look at the family after a difficult year
Duchess Kate attends Christmas morning service at St Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2024. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
The 42-year-old was accompanied by her husband Prince William and their three children Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6). Other members of the British royal family were also seen greeting well-wishers. .
From left: Kate, Duchess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles III attend Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2024. (Samir Hussain/Wireimage)
For the outing, Kate wore a gorgeous green Alexander McQueen coat. The princess completed her look with a matching fascinator and gloves, along with black gloves and boots. The princess was all smiles as she shook hands with members of the public who lined up to catch a glimpse of the royal family. She also accepted flowers and spoke to young children.
This year has been a tumultuous year for Kate. In January, Kensington Palace announced that he was planning abdominal surgery. She went missing for several months, sparking conspiracy theories about her health.
Duchess Kate wore a glamorous Alexander McQueen ensemble for her holiday outing. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
In March, Duchess Kate announced she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, ending speculation. Her announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that the 76-year-old monarch was also undergoing treatment for cancer. Earlier this year, the king underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Although the Duchess of Cambridge took a break from most royal duties during her treatment, she made two public appearances earlier this year. First, she received a standing ovation at the King's Birthday Parade in June, known as Trooping the Color, and then at the Wimbledon men's final in July.
Charles III and Duchess Kate were both diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. (Getty Images)
In September, Kate announced that she had completed chemotherapy treatment. In a video announcing her progress, she said the road to full recovery will be long and she will take it one day at a time. She said she would make some limited engagements until the end of the year.
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Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Kate, Duchess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on December 25, 2024. (Samir Hussain/WireImage/Getty Images)
The Princess appeared overcome with emotion as she hosted the annual carol concert 'Together at Christmas' at Westminster Abbey on December 6th.
“I never thought this year would be the year I experienced something unplanned,” Kate said at the event, as quoted by People magazine.
“But I think a lot of people have gone through such difficult times this year, and there are a lot of people who are here today,” she said.
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On December 6, Duchess Kate hosted the annual carol service at Westminster Abbey. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
In November, William opened up about facing “the most difficult year of my life.”
The 42-year-old spoke candidly about his “brutal” year in an interview with reporters in Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, he was there for the 4th Earthshot Awards Ceremony.
“It's been terrible. It's probably been the most difficult year of my life,” the prince said, as reported by People magazine.
“…I'm very proud of my wife. I'm also proud of my father for dealing with what they did. But from a personal family standpoint, it's, yeah, it's It was brutal.”
Prince William took a break from royal duties to support his wife and father. (Max Manby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“So it's been really difficult trying to get everything on track past everything else,” he added.
“But I'm so proud of my wife. I'm so proud of my dad for handling what they've done,” William said. “But from a personal family perspective, it was brutal.”
During the interview, Prince William shared an update on Duchess Kate's health, telling reporters she was “fine”.
Watch: Kate Middleton announces completing chemotherapy treatment
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Told that he looked “relaxed”, William replied: “I couldn't be more relaxed this year so it's very interesting to see you all do that.”
“But it's more of a case of just working and you have to keep moving forward,” he added. “I enjoy my job. I enjoy being able to work at my own pace and have time to spend with my family.”
Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
