Is Princess Kate preparing for the throne after a ‘devastating year’ ?
Prince William and Princess Kate, along with their children kicked off their Christmas celebrations early this year at their Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall.
The family skipped the traditional festive lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, which King Charles and the extended royal family attended and opted for a quieter celebration after what a family friend described as “an incredibly difficult time.”
Prince William called the past year “brutal,” as Kate’s battle with cancer kept her largely out of the public eye, sparking intense public speculation. The Princess of Wales, 42, recently completed chemotherapy, marking a significant step in her recovery, although friends say she is “not out of the woods yet.”
“No one could have expected what this year has brought for the Prince and Princess of Wales,” said a family friend. “Family is so important to them, and the children are the center of their universe.”
“They wanted to start celebrating early. They’re focused this Christmas [season] on being with the family at home and then joining the rest of the Windsor family on Christmas Day. The Prince of Wales has said this has been the hardest year of his life.”
Royal historian Hugo Vickers highlighted the toll Kate’s illness has taken on the family, describing it as “absolutely devastating and very difficult.”
The consequences of the past year are significant, especially as William and Kate live with the knowledge that, as the Prince and Princess of Wales, they are just a heartbeat away from the throne. This is especially poignant as the 76 year old King Charles is also undergoing treatment for cancer.
Charles, who recently returned from a nine-day trip to Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla, has had to pause his treatment at times to fulfil royal duties. Page Six quoted sources which reporting that King Charles was “exhausted” following the end of trip, “He looks quite knackered up close and red around the eyes and thinner.”
“Especially for someone who normally looks so vigorous, but I suppose it’s only to be expected after 10 months of cancer treatment.
The source further added that King’s health is moving in a positive direction and is said to return to a full program of public duties next year.
Charles, in fact, joked that he was “still alive” as he gave high-fives during a final engagement before Christmas on Friday in north London with Camilla as per Page Six.
For William, the year has been a deeply personal struggle. Reflecting on the challenges, he said, “Honestly, it’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” adding, “But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
Kate, who has been on a “phased return” to royal duties, has made a few public appearances, including hosting the annual carol service, “Together at Christmas,” at Westminster Abbey earlier this month.
The princess was also seen privately at Windsor with her children, attending school events and spending time outdoors at Home Park.
Kate’s appearance in casual attire during a March video announcing her diagnosis offered a rare glimpse into her private life. “Those are the kinds of clothes you wear when going through something so personal,” said Bethan Holt, fashion director at The Telegraph.
The casual outfit showed Kate as, “Who she really is as a person, away from all the royal fanfare and the pomp.”
The family’s Christmas card, released on Thursday, also reflected this personal touch. The photograph, taken from a video announcing Kate’s completed treatment in September, showed the family casually dressed and smiling.
Royal watchers note the symbolic importance of the family’s appearance during the annual Christmas walk to church at Sandringham. Kate’s choice of jewellery, including a pearl choker and diamond earrings previously worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, underscores her readiness to embrace her role as future queen.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also leaned on their extended family, inviting younger royals such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Zara Tindall to co-host events like a garden party earlier this year. Sources suggest the couple may undertake a significant trip to the US in 2026 for the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Despite the challenges, William and Kate are focused on moving forward. “There is no big reset button to go back to where they were before,” said a friend. “But they’ve shown resilience and authenticity, which resonates deeply with the public. The long game is ahead, and they are embracing it step by step.”
