What Kate Middleton’s radiant Christmas appearance signals for the year ahead

After almost a year since her cancer diagnosis, Princess Catherine’s Christmas appearance signals a big change in fortune for the year ahead, writes Zoe Smith.

Her dazzling smile and healthy glow at the royal family’s annual Christmas Day service has left royal fans in no doubt — Princess Catherine is back.

Going by her radiant appearance, it’s hard to fathom that just months ago, the much-loved mother-of-three was in the grips of a serious health crisis after being diagnosed with cancer.

Coming at the same time as her father-in-law King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, it was a frightening and disorienting turn of events that shook the very foundations of the royal family.

What a difference a mere matter of months can make.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church. Picture: Wire Image

Kate Middleton is glowing despite her health struggles. Picture: AFP

Gliding through the crowd of well wishers who had gathered for hours to catch a glimpse of the royals outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Catherine was the picture of vitality as she stopped to greet and hug fans.

Showing she has the human touch, Catherine appeared to channel her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, who was famously dubbed the “people’s princess”.

After a harrowing year — one that was described by Prince William, who has had more than his share of pain over the decades, as the worst of his life — Princess Catherine has rounded off 2024 on an incredible note of hope for the future.

The last 12 months may have been another “annus horribilis” for the House of Windsor, but the appearance of the eternally sunny Catherine, widely considered to be the royal family’s best asset, signals a ray of light and a reset for the monarchy.

Kate Middleton at her Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Picture: Getty Images

As King Charles slows down his previously jam-packed schedule, and Queen Camilla continues her recovery from a debilitating chest infection, one thing is clear — time is of the essence.

Charles is believed to be working closely with Catherine now that Buckingham Palace has kickstarted plans for Prince William’s ascension to the throne.

The King’s eldest son is already taking on more duties, as transition to what will be known as the Gulielmian Age, when King William V takes the throne, becomes far more than a talking point.

And the reign of Wills and a rejuvenated Kate may not be that far away.