Princess Kate and Prince William were supported by Carole and Michael Middleton during their “darkest days”, according to a royal expert.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said the whole family “have pulled together as a unit” despite the “brutal” year.
Princess Kate announced in March that she was undergoing preventative treatment for a undisclosed form of cancer.
She singled out the Princess of Wales’s parents for their support throughout the year, referencing the handwritten thank you note carried by Prince Louis during the Together at Christmas service.
Princess Kate and Prince William were supported by Carole and Michael Middleton during their “darkest days”, according to a royal expert
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She said: “I think a shout-out should also go to Carole and Michael Middleton, who have undoubtedly been a vital part of the family this year, both practically and emotionally.
“I’m sure William and Catherine leant on them very hard during their darkest days.
“As we know from Louis’ card on the tree at the carol service, Granny and Grandpa are great playmates for their grandchildren and have put in more than a shift or two playing games with them.
“William and Catherine have been quite generous this year in allowing their children to be seen in public.”
Princess Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March earlier this year
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The royal expert added: “It can’t be easy for young people to face cameras, crowds and scrutiny, and the natural instinct of parents is to protect their children from too much attention.
“But we saw them at Trooping the Colour and, of course, in the very personal video released by Catherine to mark the end of her chemotherapy, plus the carol service and Christmas walkabout. And they seem to change as every month goes by.
“A year like they have just endured must, as William said, have been brutal for the entire family.
“But it seems clear that they have pulled together as a unit and they look very much in harmony and delighted to be out and about together again.”
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Kate released a video to give fans an update on her health in September KENSINGTON PALACEPrincess Kate made eight public appearances this year as she temporality stepped back from duties to focus on her health.
In an emotional update video posted to social media in September, the Prince and Princess of Wales announced Catherine had completed her preventative chemotherapy treatment and would start a gradual return.
Speaking on the couple’s three children, Bond told OK!: “I don’t think there’s any reason to suspect we’ll see more of them in 2025, but there will be the usual occasional public appearance as their parents gently acclimatise them to life in the public eye.
“William and Catherine should be rightly proud of their brood and proud of themselves for guiding them through this incredibly difficult year.”