Kate Middleton breaks silence on her toughest year yet as she joins William, their children and other royals at carol concert

The Princess of Wales has said movingly that she 'didn't know' what 2024 had in store for her at last year's Christmas carol service as she arrived to host her fourth annual event at Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales is seen leaving the carol concert with George and Charlotte Her Royal HIghness was sure to wave at crowds as she headed out of the concert Princess of Wales attends the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey A beaming Princess of Wales stands with Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith at Westminster Abbey on the day of the Together At Christmas carol service When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate, 42, replied: 'I didn't know this time last year it was going to be the year I've just had' William left alongside Prince George, William and Louis Kate's parents Carole and Micheal Middleton were also in attendance Cousin Princess Beatrice - with her husband and 'bonus' son Wolfie - also came along Cheeky Prince Louis stole the show with his cheeky appearance : Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton, James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet depart from the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service Princess Charlotte and Prince George with their candles as they attend the carol concert with their parents Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service Prince George sat next to Prince William during the festive service, with both wearing matching red ties The Princess of Wales sat net to Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who matched their mother's red ensemble, during the carol concert For today's outing, Kate put on an elegant display in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with her black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion. The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis look at messages on the Kindness Tree ahead of the Together At Christmas carol service Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales with their candles during the service The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children all sat on the first row for the carol concert The Princess of Wales was joined at the family occasion by her husband William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis arrive at Westminster Abbey Prince William joined his three children at the Westminster Abbey this evening for the carol concert Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Westminster Abbey for their mother's carol concert Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Wolfie, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the Together At Christmas carol service Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looked radiant in a purple patterned dress, teamed with a festive white jacket Carole Middleton and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive for the festive occasion in London today Pippa Middleton and Zara Tindall both put on an equally stunning display for the occasion James Middleton and his wife Alizee Thevenet matched in navy and burgundy outfits today Sir Chris Hoy was supported by his wife Sarra as they attended the event after Sir Chris' cancer diagnosis It wasn't only royal guests attending the festive occasion, celebrities such as Hannah Waddingham and Paloma Faith also joined the guest list The royal mother-of-three greets children who are performing at Westminster Abbey for her carol concert The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she attended her Christmas-themed event this afternoon The Princess chats with singers Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith as she attends her festive event Kate was full of laughter as she chatted to some of her guests at the carol concert, including Paloma Faith Showcasing her stylish prowess, Kate kept her brunette locks in soft waves and added to her features with a smattering of glamorous makeup. The stunning princess stands with Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith at Westminster Abbey The Princess appeared deep in conversation as she talked to singer Gregory Porter Kate shakes hands with actor Richard E. Grant as they chat at the Christmas carol concert today This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most A radiant Kate couldn't help but smile as she chatted to guests at the festive occasion this afternoon Kate looked elegant in her Alexander McQueen red coat as she stepped out for the occasion The Princess couldn't contain her laughter as she chatted to actor Richard E. Grant The Princess of Wales appeared radiant in a festive red coat, featuring a statement bow detail as she attended the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey Kate put on an elegant display in her stylish coat, which she teamed with matching heeled boots The Princess appeared to wear her glamorous black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year. Pictured, preparations ahead of the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London A letter from The Princess of Wales for the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service The cover for the Order of Service has been designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and bears a powerful message of hope - as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year Workers trim the tree for the Princess of Wales' carol service The event takes place at Westminster Abbey During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.