The Prince and Princess of Wales will celebrate Christmas at Sandringham with King Charles and the rest of the royal family following a tumultuous year for them.
On Friday, The Mirror reported that William and Kate, both 42, will join senior members of The Firm for the annual Christmas Day Service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on December 25.
It will be a special Christmas for the family as they come together after what has been a difficult year following Charles, 76, and Kate’s back-to-back cancer diagnoses.
Sources told the newspaper Charles, who is currently in Sandringham, is ‘delighted’ that the whole family will be together for the holidays – with the monarch reportedly overseeing the planning himself.
One insider said: ‘The King is embracing the Christmas period already and really getting into the spirit. Staff who have seen him this week remarked how happy and healthy he was looking.’
Charles and Camilla are reportedly spending the weekend at the Norfolk estate, with one source explaining how Charles is ‘enjoying time outdoors’ as he continues his cancer treatment.
Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year while undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
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It will be a special Christmas for the family as they come together after what has been a difficult year – following Charles, 76, and Kate’s back-to-back cancer diagnoses
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk
William previously described 2024 as the ‘hardest year of my life’ as the future King opened up about the health challenges faced by his father and wife.
Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer after she was admitted to the London Clinic in Marylebone for an abdominal operation in January.
While Charles is still undergoing treatment, the future Queen announced she has completed a preventative course of chemotherapy – and will make a gradual return to public life following the diagnosis.
Reports about the Royal Family’s Christmas plans come days after it was reported that Kate will undertake her most significant public engagement since she began cancer treatment as she welcomes the Emir of Qatar for his official state visit to the UK next month.
Catherine will accompany her husband Prince William to officially greet the Emir and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, at their residence on December 3 and accompany them to Horse Guards Parade for a stunning ceremonial welcome.
The King and Queen will be waiting to greet the guests before accompanying them back to Buckingham Palace.
It is expected that the princess, who announced in September a slow and measured return to public life after the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment, will join the Royal Family at the palace for lunch.
But it has been confirmed that she will not attend a glittering State Banquet in the evening.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to Southport Community Centre on October 10
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The Princess of Wales will undertake her most significant public engagement since she began cancer treatment next month
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Catherine will accompany her husband to officially greet the Emir and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, at their residence on December 3 and accompany them to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome
Kate shares intimate glimpse into her family life in moving video
A royal source described the announcement of her attendance at some elements of the visit, however, as ‘good news’.
The princess has attended a number of high profile events such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance events and Wimbledon over the last eleven months since she effectively withdrew from public life to focus on her health.
But next month’s appearance will be her most significant so far given that she will be playing an active role in events.
