Reason Prince William and Princess Kate's Christmas card last year was so poignant
The Princess of Wales underwent treatment for cancer last yearPrince William and Princess Kate release a Christmas card every year, usually featuring them with their three children.
But their 2024 festive card held a very significant and poignant meaning. Last year was a tough year for the royal family. Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer and began treatment.
While the king continues his treatment, Princess Catherine announced in September last year that she had completed hers. Then in January 2025, Kate revealed she was in remission. She has slowly returned to royal duties this year.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s Christmas card
The Prince and Princess of Wales are yet to share their 2025 Christmas card.
But last year, just days before Christmas day, the couple shared their heartfelt card. You can see it here.
It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family.
The card featured a photo of the Wales family taken from the video released when Kate announced the end of her cancer treatment.
The photo showed Prince Louis cuddling into dad William as Kate leaned towards Charlotte and George. The family cuddled each other as they smiled for the camera.
On the other side of the card, it read: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
It came following a difficult period for the Waleses. Kate admitted her health ordeal was “incredibly tough” for the family.
Princess of Wales’ cancer journey
The Princess of Wales shared her cancer diagnosis publicly in March 2024. It came amid much speculation about Kate’s whereabouts.
Kate hadn’t been seen since Christmas day in 2023. In January of 2024, Kensington Palace confirmed Kate had undergone abdominal surgery. After that, speculation was rife online about where she was.
Then, on March 22, 2024, the Princess of Wales shared a personal video message to confirm her diagnosis.
In it, she said: “It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful. In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.
“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
She added: “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them. And to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”
View this post on Instagram
‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough’
Kate took time out from duties to focus on her health and treatment.
Months later in September 2024, Kate announced she had completed her treatment. In a family video showing her, William and their kids out in nature, the princess said: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
Read more: Prince William’s subtle ‘signal’ to Princess Kate spotted by fans during German state visit
“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.”
In January of this year, Kate announced she was in remission. She said on Instagram: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
What did you think of William and Kate’s Christmas card last year? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsider
