Kate Middleton stuns at Christmas service after a “brutal” year

Kate Middleton ended a “brutal” year with some Christmas cheer.

The Princess of Wales beamed on Wednesday as she took the traditional Christmas walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church with her father-in-law, King Charles III.

The service took place at Sandringham, the estate on the windswept North Sea coast that has been a royal retreat for generations.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the Christmas morning service at St Mary 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 also greeted well-wishers.

From left: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles III. attend the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

For the outing, Kate wore a festive green coat by Alexander McQueen. The princess completed the look with a matching headpiece and gloves, as well as black gloves and boots. The princess beamed as she shook hands with the audience who lined up to catch a glimpse of the king. She also accepted flowers and spoke to young children.

The year was a turbulent one for Kate. In January, Kensington Palace announced that she had planned abdominal surgery. She was out of sight for several months, sparking conspiracy theories about her health.

Kate Middleton wore a festive Alexander McQueen ensemble for her holiday outing. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)

In March, Kate ended the speculation by announcing that she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. Her announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace revealed that the 76-year-old royal was also being treated for cancer. Earlier this year, the monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate.

While she stepped 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 Color, and during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.

With King Charles III. and Kate Middleton was 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 would be long and she would take it day by day. She said she will take on some limited engagements through 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 appeared emotional as she hosted her annual carol concert, “Together at Christmas,” at Westminster Abbey.

At the event, Kate said she “didn’t know that this year would be the year I just had… the unplanned,” as quoted by People magazine.

“But I think a lot of people have had such challenging times this year, and many who are here today,” she noted.

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On December 6, Kate Middleton hosted the annual Christmas service at Westminster Abbey. (Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In November, William spoke 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 attending the fourth annual Earthshot Awards ceremony.

“It was terrible. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life,” the Prince of Wales said, as quoted by People magazine.

“…I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my dad for overcoming the things they did. But from a personal family perspective, yes, it was brutal.”

– Prince William

Prince William took time out from his royal duties to support his wife and father. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“So it was really difficult to get through everything else and keep everything on track,” he added.

“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my dad for handling the things that they did,” William said. “But from a family perspective, it was brutal.”

During his interview, William shared an update on Kate’s health, telling reporters that she is “doing well.”

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When told he seemed “relaxed”, William replied: “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting that you all see that.”

“But it’s more about just keeping going and moving forward,” he added. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy managing myself and making sure I also have time for my family.”

Ashley Hume of Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed to this report.