Kate Middleton’s Siblings Show Strong Support at Carol Service After Her 'Tough' Year with Cancer

Mar. 15, 2025

James Middleton and Pippa Middleton attend Kate Middleton’s ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 06, 2024 in London, England.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage (2); Chris Jackson/Getty

Samir Hussein/WireImage (2); Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate Middleton’s family wouldn’t miss herTogether at Christmascarol service at Westminster Abbey, which is especially meaningful this year after Princess Kate announced that shehad cancerand completed chemotherapy, which she previously described as an “incredibly tough” time.

On Dec. 6, the Princess of Wales, 42, hosted herfourth annual carol serviceat the famed Abbey, continuing a tradition she launched in 2021 with The Royal Foundation as a way to thank those who went the extra mile for their communities during the COVID pandemic.

Pippa Middleton attends the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 06, 2024 in London, England.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Princess Kate is close to her parents and siblings, who all live near her in Windsor. A palace insider previously told PEOPLE that Princess Kate’s parents are “an enduring factorin the upbringing of their grandchildren,” and a support she’s leaned on this year.

“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” James wrote on Instagram after his sister Kate announced in March that she was receiving cancer treatment.

James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet attend the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 06, 2024 in London, England.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Princess Kate and Prince William have weathered a year unlike any other amid her cancer treatment, and step outside of the spotlight to focus on her health.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” Princess Kate in the Sept. 9 video announcing she completed chemo. Prince William similarly said that it had been a “brutal” year between the cancer diagnoses of his wife and father,King Charles, while in South Africa on Nov. 7 for his Earthshot Prize Awards.

Carole and Michael Middleton arrive for the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 in London, England.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Recently speaking about what she was looking forward to most about theTogether at Christmasconcert this year, Sophie said, “Beautiful music and beautiful readings. AndHors d’Oeuvres,“Hello!reported. Her comment about the course was a surprise to royal watchers, and hinted that there might be a celebration following the concert!

The royal family’s appearance at Princess Kate’s concert was especially meaningful as a show of support for her following a challenging year. The royal family was rocked when Buckingham Palace announced in February that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer, and his treatment is thought to be ongoing.

The Princess of Wales then announced in March that she was undergoingtreatment for cancer, and reduced her royal duties for most of 2024 to prioritize her health. Princess Kate shared in September that shecompleted chemotherapy, but emphasized that she would continue to take it one day at a time.

“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she said in the Sept. 9 message. “I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”

It was understood then that the princess was planning to host herTogether at Christmasconcert, and PEOPLE confirmed a few weeks later it wouldhappen in December. Though Princess Kate hasn’t resumed the same full schedule of public engagements she once did, she has joined Prince William forunannounced outingsand appeared with the royal family to commemorateRemembrance Dayin November.

Kensington Palace previously announced that this year’sTogether at Christmasconcert themes would belove and empathy, with the Princes of Wales, 42, among those chosen to deliver readings about the theme. The palace said that 1,600 people will attend the holiday concert, welcoming those who supported people in their communities through personal relationships, work or volunteering, plus others who navigated challenges this year.

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Princess Kate wrote anopen letterto those attending her fourth annualTogether at Christmasconcert (which is also being commemorated with 15 community carol services across the U.K. during December!), sending “heartfelt thanks” for how people paid it forwards for others.

“I am so delighted that you’re able to join this Carol Service. I wanted to write and share my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most,” she said in the message.

“Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness - so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition:Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.

source: people.com