'I didn't know': Kate makes rare comment on cancer journey as she hosts Together at Christmas carols service
The Princess of Wales has made a rare comment about her challenging year, after spending months out of the public eye while undergoing cancer treatment.
Hosting her annual 'Together at Christmas' carols service for the fourth year on Friday night, Catherine spoke of how 2024's events had taken her by surprise.
"I didn't know this year was going to be the year I've just had," she remarked to singer Paloma Faith, who replied, "The unplanned".
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Kate made a rare comment about her challenging year while talking with singer Paloma Faith (right) Getty
"The unplanned, exactly. But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times," the royal added.
It's the first time Kate has publicly commented on her cancer journey since she confirmed she'd finished chemotherapy in a video released by Kensington Palace.
The comment comes weeks after husband Prince William described 2024 as "brutal" and the "hardest year" of his life.
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The Wales children were on their best behaviour during the event. Getty
"Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult," he said during a November 7 appearance.
"But I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done."
The carols service at Westminster Abbey, which will air on UK TV on December 24, marked the royal's biggest event in the months since her gradual return to royal duties post-treatment.
"This really was the icing on the cake for her marked return to royal life," royal editor Russell Myers told Today.
Kate's brother James (left), sister Pippa (middle), and parents all supported her at the event. Getty
Kate was joined at the event by William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as several royal family members.
Her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton, joined by his wife Alizee Thevenet, also showed up to support the princess.
See some of the behind-the-scenes details here:
Catherine admitted she tasked Prince Louis with keeping a secret from his big sister ahead of the event.
Speaking with Faith, she said she asked her youngest son not to tell Princess Charlotte about the soloists from the Royal Ballet performing during the service.
"He has kept the secret for, what, nearly two weeks now," she said, acknowledging that was challenging "for a six-year-old".
Kate asked Prince Louis to keep one special detail of the service a secret from sister Princess Charlotte. Getty
"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."
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