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 she “didn’t know this time last year was going to be the year I had” at tonight’s Christmas service.

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

Princess Kate, Wills and children took time to read touching letters after the service Credit: Getty

The family hung messages expressing their love and gratitude to those who helped them this yearCredit: Alamy

The royals read other touching notes Credit: AP

Prince Louis attaches his own red bill to the Tree of Kindness Credit: Getty

Family shown leaving Christmas service Together Credit: AP

Kate and Wills stand on either side of their brood as they sing festive carols Credit: PA

Kate helps the children light the candles Credit: PA

William and son George share a moment before singing the song Credit: AP

The princess looked radiant under the candlelight as she sang festive carols alongside Louis Credit: AFP

The family light their candles as the service begins Credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The princess said at last year’s mass that she “didn’t know” what 2024 had in store for her, while talking to singer Paloma Faith.

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

Kate admitted: “I didn’t know this time last year 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 said the building held “so many memories” for her.

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

During her recovery she attended only a handful of public events, including Trooping the Colour, the men’s Wimbledon final and Sunday’s Remembrance Cenotaph service.

In September, Kate posted another heartwarming video message saying she had finished chemotherapy and was focusing on being “cancer free”.

The evening was the first time the family had been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Color in June.

After touching Christmas caroling at Westminster Abbey this evening, Kate headed to the Tree of Goodness with Wills and the children.

They were joined by other youths outside to participate in an activity designed to express gratitude and love.

Guests were invited to write the name of someone who helped them this year on the red cardboard for decorating the spruce.

Princess Charlotte’s sweet message read: “Thank you grandma and grandpa for playing with me.”

It comes after heartwarming scenes revealed Kate and Wills standing either side of their offspring holding candles and singing festive Christmas carols.

There was an emotional moment as the royal mother of three helped the young trio light candles from her own.

Kate arrived at the Abbey tonight wearing a red coat designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

All 1,600 guests wrote that this year’s theme of love and empathy is “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult moments of our lives.”

It’s expected to be a particularly touching service for her personally given the Princess’ difficult year, which has included a cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy and vicious trolling.

In a sweet moment before the ceremony began, the King appeared to talk about the Royal Ballet soloists who were performing.

Kate said she engaged six-year-old Prince Louis as a surprise for her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.

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

The royal said, “He’s been keeping the secret for, what, almost two weeks.”

“Very challenging,” replied Paloma.

“For a six-year-old,” Kate added.

“And then this morning he said: “Mom, please, can I tell her – I’m shooting. I went and really wanted to tell her. I think – I hope – he kept it.”

Princess Kate waved to fans as she arrived at the expected arrival Credit: i-Images

Prince William and the trio looked excited to join their mum Credit: ©Karwai Tang

The princess welcomed the attendees and the star-studded guest list Credit: Reuters

She enjoyed a joke or two before the serviceCredit: PA

The princess sat down to talk with some other visitors Credit: Reuters

Carol Middleton arrived in style at the Christmas carol service Credit: James Whatling

Kate stood and met with Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and Paloma FaithCredit: Reuters

Charlotte later looked delighted to see the ballerinas, suggesting her little brother had been keeping his secret.

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

While greeting guests, Kate was also seen chatting with Chris Hoy and his family.

The Olympic cycling champion, who spoke bravely 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 wanted to wear glitter too!”

On the ship, Kate then stopped to speak to 100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who was in attendance as an ambassador for the Royal British Legion.

Morgan said: “It was really special to be part of The Princess of Wales’s Together Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

“To be able to continue to tell my story at 100 years old is wonderful and I am grateful to the Princess of Wales and the Royal British Legion for giving me the opportunity to do so.

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

Heartfelt notes from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

Prince William beamed as he arrived with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for the Together At Christmas Mass.

The children looked delighted to appear at their mother Princess Kate’s Christmas service at Westminster Abbey tonight.

They were spotted carrying heartwarming handwritten notes to hand over to the Tree of Kindness.

The trio were joined by other children outside to take part in a festive activity designed to express gratitude and love.

The royal family went to see the Tree of Kindness, where guests were invited to write the name of someone who helped them this year on a red card to decorate the tree.

Princess Charlotte’s sweet message read: “Thank you grandma and grandpa for playing with me.”

The Sun revealed last month that children who survived the tragedy in Southport in July will also attend.

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

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 that children who survived the Southport tragedy in July will also attend.

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

The place was decorated with festive decorations and leaves, and a Tree of Kindness was placed outside, on which the children hung ornaments.

The celebration featured 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 am so excited to be performing at Her Royal Highness’ ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey this year.

“It’s a real treat for me to be able to sing with the RAF brass, at such an iconic venue. I’m sure it will be a really special evening, full of Christmas cheer.”

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, whether on a personal level with friends and family, through work or volunteering.

Mum-of-three Kate’s annual Together At Christmas concert is her first since finishing grueling chemotherapy in September.

The concert also comes as King Charles recovers from cancer.

This year’s event is Kate’s fourth.

In 2021, she surprised the guests with a solo piano recital, and there are rumors that she may be planning something special this year as well.

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

“The service will shine a light on individuals from across 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 who support those in need.

“Individuals who inspired, advised, comforted and above all showed that love is the greatest gift we can receive.

“This theme draws inspiration from a Christmas story that encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need to give and receive empathy.”