Kate says ‘I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve had’ at her most poignant Xmas service yet

PRINCESS Kate admitted "I didn't know this time last year it was going to be the year I've had" at her Christmas service tonight.

The Princess of Wales beamed as she held her star-studded Christmas celebrations at Westminster Abbey tonight, in the most poignant carol service yet amid her cancer diagnosis.

The Princess said at last year’s carol service she “didn’t know” what 2024 had in store for her, as she spoke to singer Paloma Faith.

The artist, who performed during the festivities, expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy.

Kate confessed: “I didn’t know this time last year it was going to be the year I’ve just had.”

The princess, who married Prince William in 2011 and attended the late Queen’s funeral in 2022 at the abbey, also told how the building held “so many memories” for her.

The royal was admitted to The London Clinic for major abdominal surgery in January this year, before bravely announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.

She has only been to a handful of public events throughout her recovery, including Trooping the Colour, the Men's Wimbledon final, and the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service.

In September Kate released another touching video message in which she shared she had finished chemotherapy and is focusing on being "cancer free".

This evening marked the first time the family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour in June.

After touching carol singing inside Westminster Abbey tonight, Kate headed out to the Kindness Tree with Wills and the children.

They were joined by other youngsters outside to take part in the activity, designed to express gratitude and love.

Guests had been invited to write the name of someone who had helped them this year on red card to decorate the spruce.

Princess Charlotte's sweet note read: "Thank you Granny and Grandpa because they have played with me".

This came after heartwarming scenes revealed Kate and Wills standing either side of their brood holding candles and singing festive Christmas carols.

An emotional moment unfolded as the royal mum-of-three helped the young trio light their candles from her own.

Kate arrived at the abbey this evening wearing a red coat designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

She wrote to all 1,600 guests about how this year’s theme of love and empathy is about “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.

It is expected to be a particularly moving service for her personally given the Princess’ tough year, which included her cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy and spiteful trolling. 

In a sweet moment before the festivities began, the royal appeared to talk about the soloists from the Royal Ballet who performed.

Kate said she had enlisted Prince Louis, six, to keep it a surprise for her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.

Speaking to Paloma Faith, the mum-of-three said she asked Louis: “Can you keep a secret otherwise it won’t be a surprise for Charlotte, who loves her ballet dancing”

The royal said: “He has kept the secret for, what, nearly two weeks now.”

“Very challenging,” replied Paloma.

“For a six-year-old,” added Kate.

“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.”

Charlotte later looked thrilled as she saw the ballet dancers, suggesting her younger brother had kept his secret.

She then walked to the north transept and knelt down to speak to scouts from 44th Bury scout group from Bury, Manchester.

As she greeted guests, Kate was also seen chatting to Chris Hoy and his family.

The Olympic cycling champion, who has bravely opened up about his terminal cancer diagnosis, told her he had never been to Westminster Abbey before.

The Princess shook hands with Hoy’s young son Callum and daughter Chloe.

She commented on Chloe’s sparkly dress, and said: “I was going to wear sparkles too!”

By the nave, Kate then stopped to speak to 100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who was attending as an ambassador for the Royal British Legion.

Morgan said: “It was truly special to be part of The Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

"Being able to continue to tell my story at 100 is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do that.

"It was lovely to see Her Royal Highness looking so well. It was a delightful event at the Abbey and a night I will never forget."

Kate then walked back to the front of the abbey to greet her husband and their children, where William said "Hi".

Meanwhile, The Sun revealed last month children who survived the Southport tragedy in July were also going to be attending.

Kate wrote in the letter to guests how Christmas “encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others.”

The venue was decorated with festive decorations and foliage and a Kindness Tree is stationed outside, which the kids have hung decorations on.

The celebration featured performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Paloma Daith, Gregory Porter and JP Cooper.

Olivia Dean, who was invited to perform The Christmas Song, said: before the service: "I'm so excited to be performing at Her Royal Highness's 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey this year.

"It’s such a treat for me to be able to sing with the RAF brass band, in such an iconic venue. I’m sure it’s going to be a really special evening, full of Christmas joy.”

Speeches were also given by The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, and actors Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.

Westminster Abbey filled with 1,600 people who supported others in their communities, either on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or by volunteering. 

Mum-of-three Kate’s annual Together At Christmas concert is the first since completing her gruelling chemotherapy treatment in September.

The concert also comes as King Charles recovers from cancer.

This year's event is Kate’s fourth.

In 2021 she surprised guests with a solo piano recital and there are rumours she may be planning something special again this year.

Announcing the concert, a Palace spokesman said: ";This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.

"The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.

"This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need.

"Individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.

"This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.”