Many of Kate Middleton’s Christmas Day walkabout conversations at Sandringham centered around being diagnosed with cancer, as the Princess of Wales was earlier in 2024.

Kate publicly announced her diagnosis in March, months after a scheduled abdominal procedure uncovered the presence of cancerous cells. As she withdrew from her normal schedule of royal engagements, Kate’s parents–Carole and Michael Middleton–stepped in to help her with her kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Kate Middleton shared a hopeful and inspiring message for her Christmas carol service after battling cancer. According to The Sun, the Princess of Wales, 42, recorded the message as part of her annual “Together at Christmas” service that she hosted earlier this month and will be televised on Christmas Eve.

After sharing news of her cancer diagnosis in March, Princess Kate retreated from the spotlight for the majority of 2024. In September, she announced that she'd completed chemotherapy and would be making a slow return to her official royal duties.

Kate Middleton spent much of 2024 battling cancer. In September, she thankfully announced that she is “cancer-free.” And so on Christmas Day, Kate shared her appreciation for the gift of life and said that she’s “hugely grateful” after her cancer battle.