On Friday evening, during the annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, the Princess of Wales made a rare and heartfelt comment about her recent battle with cancer. This marked one of her most candid public appearances since announcing the completion of her chemotherapy in September.

The carol service, an event introduced by Kate in 2021, has become a cherished tradition and a platform for bringing people together during the festive season. During a conversation with performer Paloma Faith, which was shared by Channel 5 News on X, Kate opened up about the challenges she faced over the past year.

“I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” Kate shared when asked about her health. Faith empathized, calling it “the unplanned,” to which the royal nodded, agreeing, “The unplanned, exactly.” Reflecting on broader struggles, she added, “But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times, and many who are here today.”

In September, Kate revealed the toll her cancer journey had taken, saying, “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. The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.” She also spoke about how the experience brought new vulnerabilities and perspectives to her life.

Kate’s openness during the event offered a poignant reminder of resilience and hope, highlighting the carol service’s mission of bringing communities together to reflect and find strength in shared experiences.