Kate Middleton joked, «I seem to have lost my family!» after falling behind Prince William and their kids on Christmas Day
Kate, who has previously shared that “everyone in the family teases me for talking too much,” had plenty to chat about with well-wishers on December 25
After a year of focusing on her health due to her cancer diagnosis, Kate Middleton had kept a low profile in 2024, making her public appearance at the traditional Christmas Day walkabout after church all the more significant.
The 42-year-old Princess of Wales joined the royal family on the Sandringham estate, where members of the public eagerly sought her out for conversation. Kate engaged in several heartfelt exchanges, including one with a woman who had also battled cancer.
These meaningful interactions naturally took more time than a brief greeting.
During the walkabout, Kate humorously remarked, “I seem to have lost my family!” as she realized she had fallen behind Prince William and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, who had already made their way down the path.
William, 42, and the children patiently waited a short distance away for her to finish chatting with the crowd.
For the occasion, Kate wore a forest green Alexander McQueen coat she had previously worn during a visit to Leeds in 2023, paired with a matching fascinator, scarf, black gloves, and boots. Queen Camilla, who led the royal walk, was similarly dressed in a coordinated outfit.
Kate, beaming with joy, accepted flowers, knelt to speak with children, and met eager members of the public, including John Loughrey, who told Sky News, “I’m on top of the world,” after meeting the future queen.
Karen Maclean, a cancer survivor of over 20 years, spoke with both Kate and King Charles, who were diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year.
Though the details of their diagnoses remain private, Kate completed her chemotherapy in September, and the palace announced in December that King Charles’ treatment will continue into 2025, with positive progress.
Maclean, who shared a conversation with the royals about cancer, noted that both Kate and Charles appeared «very well» given their circumstances. After hugging Kate, she said, “What a privilege.”
