In partnership with

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to share a deeply personal message of gratitude, thanking the “selfless doctors and nurses” who supported him and his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, during their cancer battles earlier this year.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” Charles, 76, said during his Christmas service speech at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk on Wednesday, December 25. “I am deeply grateful too to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”

Charles attended the annual holiday service alongside Queen Camilla, his son Prince William, daughter-in-law Kate, 42, and grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The family greeted fans during their walk into the church and later spoke with Reverend Canon Paul Williams after the service.

A Year of Challenges for the Royal Family

2024 brought significant challenges to the royal family. In February, it was revealed that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after, in March, Kate disclosed that she, too, had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer, which was discovered following a planned abdominal surgery in January.

Both Charles and Kate temporarily stepped back from their royal duties to focus on their health and recovery. Despite the difficult circumstances, the two leaned on each other for emotional support.

In April, a royal insider exclusively told In Touch that Kate played a crucial role in uplifting Charles’ spirits. “Kate always lifts Charles’ spirits,” the source said, noting their shared activities and conversations about family milestones helped keep the monarch optimistic.

Background on Charles and Kate’s Relationship

King Charles and Princess Kate have developed a strong bond over the years, built on mutual respect and their shared dedication to the royal family. While their relationship initially grew through her marriage to Prince William, Kate has since become one of Charles’ closest confidants within the monarchy. Known for her steadfast demeanor and warm nature, Kate has been a source of strength for the royal family during public and private challenges.

Their camaraderie was particularly evident during Charles’ ascension to the throne in 2022, following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Kate played a pivotal role in supporting the newly crowned King, both publicly and behind the scenes. As they navigated their health battles in 2024, their bond only deepened, with each offering comfort and encouragement to the other.

Moving Forward Together

Now in recovery, Charles and Kate have resumed their royal duties with a renewed sense of purpose. The Christmas service served as a reminder of the royal family’s resilience and their ability to come together in the face of adversity. Through his heartfelt speech, Charles offered a rare glimpse into the family’s personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, strength, and unity.

The Sleep App That Forbes Rated 5 Stars 😱

The app Forbes said helps "users achieve high-quality sleep by creating and maintaining effective sleep routines” is back with new sounds and features!

Now featuring over 300 unique sounds to fall asleep to, a personalized sleep tracker and more. It’s no wonder over 65 million people have downloaded this app for better sleep.

Try it tonight 👇

Get BetterSleep!