'A bookend moment on a very difficult time': Significance behind Kate's Christmas Day appearance this year
The Princess of Wales' Christmas Day appearance this year will mark a "bookend moment", says an expert.
Each year the British royal family celebrate Christmas at their Sandringham estate.
One notable tradition is seeing the royals walking together to and from morning mass on Christmas Day at St Mary's Magdalene Church.
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This year's Christmas Day appearance from the royal family will be especially significant for Catherine. UK Press via Getty Images
Catherine is expected to be present once again this year with her husband Prince William, their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the King and Queen and rest of the extended royal family.
Last year's Christmas was the last time Catherine was seen as part of a public appearance before her year-long health battle.
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In January, the Princess of Wales underwent "planned abdominal surgery".
After being absent from the public eye, Catherine revealed in March she was undergoing "preventative chemotherapy" treatment following a cancer diagnosis.
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The Princess of Wales' Christmas Day appearance in 2023 was the last time we saw her before her year-long health battle. Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images
She has made the occasional public appearance over the year, only recently returning to royal duties after completely chemotherapy.
According to The Telegraph fashion director Bethan Holt, this year's Christmas walk is "almost going to be like a bookend moment on a very difficult time", she told People
Holt says the Christmas Day walk "a big moment for them in their year".
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The Christmas Day walk is a tradition for the British royal family. Samir Hussein/WireImage
The walk approximately takes 10 minutes from the castle to arrive at the church for the 11am service. Members of the public tend to line the pathway to see the royals.
Last year Catherine wore a bright blue Alexander McQueen coat and fascinator.
Catherine made her grand return to royal duties in November with back-to-back Remembrance Day events.
The Princess of Wales made a handful of appearances throughout the year amid her health battle, including at Trooping the Colour and the Wimbledon men's finals match.
Catherine is expected to attend in Sandringham this year. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Earlier this month she hosted the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6.
In a special message released as part of the voiceover introduction to carol service's TV broadcast, Catherine remarked Christmas is one of her "favourite times of the year".
The Princess of Wales noted it is "a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all".
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