HER Princess Catherine Shines

By MAANYA SACHDEVA and MARIA OKANRENDE FOR MAILONLINE

Dec 31, 2024

She Just Shines!

The Princess of Wales accepted bouquets of flowers from well-wishers as she greeted the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham today. 

Kate, 42, was a sight to behold as she walked alongside Prince William, their children Prince Louis, six, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince George, 11, as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk on Wednesday morning.  

Her attendance followed joyous anticipation after what has been a gruelling year for the Princess, who stunned the world with a shock cancer diagnosis in March 2024.

The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo treatment immediately.

She began a gradual and measured return to public life after announcing she had completed a preventative course of chemotherapy in September. 

Today, all eyes were on Kate as she looked as positive and radiant as ever, bearing no indication of the challenging year behind her. 

The princess dazzled in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat, which she had previously worn during a visit to Leeds in January 2023. 

She teamed the coat with a matching fascinator and scarf, as well as a pair of black gloves and black boots by Gianvito Rossi to keep warm.

The future queen carried a small handbag by Grace Han - as the she waved at the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church. 

Kate's beautiful new earrings with blue jewels and diamonds were by London-based jewellery designer Robinson Pelham.

Her silky brunette locks were styled in soft waves, while her make-up was typically understated yet flawless. 

Fans have been queuing in Sandringham since early yesterday evening, with several people eager to wish Kate and the Royal Family a Merry Christmas after what has been a particularly difficult 12 months. 

King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year, and the monarch is still undergoing treatment for the disease.  

One royal super-fan, John Loughrey, told Sky News that he had arrived at Sandringham around 7.30pm on Christmas Eve - hoping to give Kate a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

Mr Loughrey said: 'It's not been easy on Catherine and her family, so we've come to support that.'

'And we hope we can see her today and also give these beautiful flowers.'

As King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales walked into the church, the crowds could be heard wishing them a 'Merry Christmas!'. 

Kate's infectious smile was testament to her courage in the face of adversity as well as her work ethic, as the Christmas service marks just one of many official public engagements attended by the Princess since announcing her cancer treatment.

It is also the second time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King's birthday parade, in June. 

Prince William, 42, looked dapper in a navy coat and trousers, perhaps paving the way for his son's dashing style, with George wearing a similar ensemble to the future King. 

Meanwhile, Charlotte twinned with her mother, with the young princess also wearing a dark green coat. 

They were joined by senior members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall, as well as Princess Beatrice. 

Earlier this month, the Waleses and other members of the Royal Family came together for Kate's special Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in London. 

The fourth edition of Kate's 'Together at Christmas' service was broadcast last evening on Christmas Eve, as the programme paid tribute to individuals from all over the country who have shown love, kindness, and empathy to those in their communities. 

At the start of her annual carol concert, Kate called for people to 'slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all' and turn to 'love, not fear' - as she appeared to reflect on the tumult of the past year.

Since announcing she had completed a preventative course of chemotherapy in September, Kate has embarked on a slow and measured return to public life - with royal fans cheering her comeback every step of the way. 

Today, dozens of well-wishers have been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the royals, and waved excitedly as they made their way to the Church.