This year’s card comes at the end of a particularly challenging year for the family, as Kate underwent cancer treatment. In a deeply personal video released earlier, Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy and was focused on staying “cancer free.” She also expressed her eagerness to return to public duties, saying she looked forward to engaging in more royal engagements in the coming months.

In recent weeks, Kate has gradually resumed her royal commitments. She participated in Remembrance events, attended Wimbledon during the men’s final, joined Trooping the Colour in June, and contributed to the Qatar state visit in early December.

Earlier this month, at her annual Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey, she reflected on the difficulties of 2024, telling singer Paloma Faith, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year I’ve just had.” When Faith responded with “the unplanned,” Kate agreed, saying, “The unplanned, exactly. But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”

Prince William also opened up about the hardships faced by the family this year. Speaking in Cape Town during his Earthshot Prize Awards trip, he praised both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate, for their strength during such a difficult period.

Referring to the past year as an annus horribilis—Latin for “terrible year”—he admitted, “Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But I’m so proud of my wife and my father for handling the challenges they’ve faced. From a personal family perspective, it’s been brutal.”