Kate Middleton breaks silence on her toughest year yet as she joins William, their children and other royals at carol concert

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. 

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.'

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.

Showcasing her stylish prowess, Kate kept her brunette locks in soft waves and added to her features with a smattering of glamorous makeup. 

The princess, who married Prince William in 2011 and attended the late Queen's funeral in 2022 at the abbey, said that the building held 'so many memories' for her.

While seeming to talk about the soloists from the Royal Ballet who performed during the service, Kate said that she had enlisted Prince Louis, six, to keep it a surprise for her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.

Speaking to Paloma Faith, Kate said she asked Louis: 'Can you keep a secret otherwise it won't be a surprise for Charlotte, who loves her ballet dancing?'

She said that Louis agreed. 'He has kept the secret for, what, nearly two weeks now.' 'Very challenging,' said Paloma.

'For a six-year-old,' replied Kate. 'And then this morning he said "Mummy, please can I tell her - I'm bursting." I did drop off and he really wanted to tell her. I think - hopefully - he's kept it.'

Charlotte later looked thrilled as she saw the ballet dancers, suggesting her younger brother had been good to his word.

Kate then walked to the north transept and knelt down to speak to scouts from 44th Bury (Robot) scout group from Bury, Manchester.

Greeting various guests as she walked through the abbey, she stopped at the nave to greet Chris Hoy and his family.

The Olympic cycling champion who has terminal cancer told her he had never been to Westminster Abbey before.

Shaking hands with Hoy's young son Callum and daughter Chloe, Kate, who was dressed in a red coat with black bow by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, commented on Chloe's sparkly dress, saying: 'I was going to wear sparkles too!'

By the nave, Kate stopped to speak to 100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan who was attending the service as an ambassador for the Royal British Legion.

Morgan said: 'It was truly special to be part of The Princess of Wales's Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. 

'I am very grateful to be invited, and I was honoured to light a candle on behalf of all the amazing volunteers at the Royal British Legion who give up their time to support veterans like me.

'I am always keen for the younger generation to know exactly what went on during the War and to appreciate the sacrifice that our lads made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

'Being able to continue to tell my story at 100 is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do that.

'It was lovely to see Her Royal Highness looking so well. It was a delightful event at the Abbey and a night I will never forget.'

Olivia Dean, who was invited to perform The Christmas Song, said: 'I'm so excited to be performing at Her Royal Highness's 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey this year. 

'It's such a treat for me to be able to sing with the RAF brass band, in such an iconic venue. I'm sure it's going to be a really special evening, full of Christmas joy.'

Kate then walked back to the front of the abbey to greet her husband and their children. 'Hi,' said William.

The family then went to look at the 'kindness tree' where guests had been invited to write the name of someone who had helped them this year on red card to decorate the tree.

Prince Louis proudly clutched his tag with a carefully hand-written note adorably reading: 'Thank you for granny and grandpa because they have played games with me .'

The 1,600-strong congregation largely consists of members of the public recommended by Lord Lieutenants across the country for their community and charity work as a ‘thank you’ from the princess.

Also among them are members of the Southport community affected by this summer’s tragic stabbing, including children who survived the attack and the families of the three little girls who died.

Travelling from Yorkshire is the family of inspirational Liz Hatton, who was invited to Windsor by the prince and princess in October to help complete a photography ‘bucket list’.

She sadly died last week of a rare form of cancer at the age of just 17, with William and Kate paying a moving public tribute to her strength and dignity.

Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year.

But she has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences.

Supported by her Royal Foundation, Kate has been determined to ‘celebrate the many people supporting those in need - individuals who have inspired, counselled and comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive’.

Appropriately the front cover of the Order of Service features a stunning illustration by artist and author, Charlie Macksey, creator of The Boy, The Fox and The Mole of a group of people walking towards the abbey, arms entwined, in a blanket of snow. 

It reads: ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’ 

Although the idea was Macksey’s, there it little doubt that it is also a message from the princess to her nearest and dearest.

The artist said: 'Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.

'As the theme of The Princess of Wales' Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.'

This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.

In the letter, Her Royal Highness also reflects on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences. 

The future queen's concert, which will air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve for the fourth year in a row, is supported by The Royal Foundation and today attended by royals and celebrities, including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and Adam Peaty.

The service will, Kensington Palace said, 'shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities'. 'It's been a focal point for her, as it is each year,' a source added.    

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan. 

Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School. 

During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant. 

Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan. 

Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service. 

This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ was situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.

'In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people. 

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme, airing at on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. 

The broadcast will feature three special films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need. 

Alongside the service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.

Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities whilst also including elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including the special letter from The Princess of Wales.