Kate Middleton ended a “brutal” year by offering some holiday cheer.
The Princess of Wales was all smiles on Wednesday as she joined her father-in-law, King Charles III, on a traditional Christmas tour to St. Mary Magdalene Church.
The ceremony was held at Sandringham, an estate on the windswept North Sea coast that has served as a retreat for the royal family for generations.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends Christmas morning Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2024, in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Jordan Beck/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 were also seen welcoming well-wishers.
From left: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles III attend Christmas morning mass at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024, in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
For the outing, Kate dressed Festive green coat from Alexander McQueen. The princess completed the look with a matching dress and gloves, in addition to black gloves and shoes. The princess smiled 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.
It's been a tumultuous year for Kate. In January, Kensington Palace announced that she planned to have abdominal surgery. She remained out of sight for several months, sparking conspiracy theories about her health.
Kate Middleton wore a festive Alexander McQueen ensemble during her holiday outing. (Jordan Beck/Getty Images)
In March, Kate put an end to speculation after she announced her diagnosis With an unknown form of cancer. Her announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that the 76-year-old king was also being treated for cancer. Earlier this year, the Queen was treated for an enlarged prostate.
While she has stayed away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate made two appearances earlier this year. First, during the King's Birthday Parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and during the men's Wimbledon final in July, where she received a standing ovation.
Both King Charles III and Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer this year. (Getty Images)
In September, Kate announced that she had completed chemotherapy. In a video announcing her progress, she said the road to full recovery will be a long one, and she will take it one day at a time. She said she will make some limited engagements until the end of the year.
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Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
On December 6, the princess looked emotional when she hosted her annual Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey.
At the event, Kate said she “didn't know this year would be the year I just had… unplanned,” she was quoted as saying by People magazine.
“But I think a lot of people this year have had such difficult times, and many of them are here today,” she added.
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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 spoke candidly about 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 visiting to attend the fourth annual Earthshot Awards.
The Prince of Wales said, according to People magazine: “It was terrible. This was probably the most difficult year of my life.”
“…I'm very proud of my wife, and I'm proud of my father, for dealing with the things they did. But, from a personal family standpoint, it's been brutal.”
Prince William has taken time off from his royal duties to support his wife and father. (Max Mumbi/Indigo/Getty Images)
“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he added.
“But I'm very proud of my wife, and I'm very proud of my father, for dealing with the things they did,” William said. “But from a personal family standpoint…it was brutal.”
During his interview, William shared an update on Kate's health, telling reporters that she was “doing great.”
Watch: Kate Middleton announces that she has completed chemotherapy
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When told he looked “relaxed”, William replied: “I couldn't be less relaxed this year, so it's interesting that you're all seeing that.”
“But it's about moving forward, and you have to keep going,” he added. “I enjoy my work, I enjoy keeping myself in check and making sure I have time for my family as well.”
Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
