Kate Middleton and Prince William share Christmas card with touching message after 'difficult' year
NORFOLK, ENGLAND: Kate Middleton and Prince William have shared their 2024 Christmas card, offering a heartfelt message to mark the end of a challenging year for their family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the card on December 19, featuring a poignant family photograph that had been previously seen in September.
Kate Middleton and Prince William's Christmas card
Kate Middleton and Prince William's Christmas card marked a notable departure from their tradition of sharing brand-new images for the festive season.
The family photo, taken by Will Warr in Norfolk, shows Kate and William with their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, sitting together with interlinked arms.
This intimate snapshot was originally part of a video issued by Middleton in September to announce that she had completed chemotherapy treatment.
The card, adorned with a warm message, read, “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year,” was shared via a video on the couple’s social media accounts.
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Kate Middleton's year of resilience and recovery
The release of the card comes at the close of a year that has been profoundly transformative for the Wales family.
In January, Kensington Palace revealed that Middleton had undergone planned abdominal surgery, which led to a temporary reduction in her royal duties.
In March, the Princess disclosed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun chemotherapy treatment.
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For much of 2024, Middleton remained out of the public eye to focus on her health and family.
On September 9, she shared the news that her chemotherapy had been successfully completed.
Reflecting on her journey during her Together at Christmas carol service on December 6, Middleton candidly remarked, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had... the unplanned."
"But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times, and many who are here today,” she shared, according to People.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's family-centered approach
Friends and royal insiders have noted how Kate Middleton’s health struggles have reshaped her priorities.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared, “She is very much in control of her return to public life. She is doing what works best for her.”
A source close to the royal household added, “Life-threatening illnesses bring a reconsideration of priorities."
"She and William have always made it clear that family is the most important thing,” they noted.
The 'Together at Christmas' carol service was their first public appearance as a family in six months and highlighted their commitment to balancing royal duties with family life.
Speaking about the challenging year, Sophie Mirman, founder and creative director of Trotters, the brand which designed Princess Charlotte's burgundy coat stated, "It's been such a difficult year for them, it's wonderful to see them all together."
Although the Wales family missed the Christmas lunch hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on December 19, they are reportedly looking forward to reconnecting with the family at Sandringham for Christmas.
