The Princess of Wales was welcomed by rapturous cheers as she hosted her Christmas carol service for the fourth year, admitting that at last year’s event she "didn’t know" what 2024 had in store for her.
Kate, 42, looked beautiful in a festive red coat with a black oversized bow by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen as she arrived at Westminster Abbey in London for the festive soiree.
The Princess was greeted outside the church by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster. Watch Kate's arrival below...
WATCH: Princess Kate is festive in red as she arrives at carol service Kate arrived ahead of her family to greet celebrity guests and performers in the Chapter House of the Abbey before walking around to greet other guests.
When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the Princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate replied: "I didn't know this time last year it was going to be the year I've just had."
The mum-of-three then returned outside as her proud husband, the Prince of Wales arrived with the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The young royals stopped to place their dedications on the Kindness Tree outside the Abbey before sitting down to watch the service, where Charlotte got a big surprise.
The majestic Abbey was decorated with trees and foliage from Windsor Great Park donated by the King and decked with twinkling lights and nature-inspired, sustainable ornaments.
Each guest received an Order of Service with a heartwarming illustration by Charlie Mackesy on the cover, showing a group of people with arms around one another walking through the snow towards the Abbey above the caption: "How did I help?” "You were by my side, which was everything".
The service was dedicated to those who have “shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities” and “inspired, counselled, comforted, and highlighted how love unites and connects us all”.
Each guest received a letter from the Princess, which read: "This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light."
The Princess is making a gradual return to public duties after being treated for cancer, while the King is still under the care of cancer specialists, and the service aimed to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times.
See the best photos from the night…
The Princess of Wales arrives
Kate waved at the crowds who had gathered outside the Abbey to catch a glimpse of her.
The Princess was aptly dressed in red for the occasion, with many other guests sporting the hue.
She teamed her McQueen coat with an Emilia Wickstead tartan skirt and a pair of long black suede heeled boots.
Coordinating siblings
George and Louis matched their father, Prince William, in navy suits and red ties, while Charlotte sported a burgundy coat and navy tights.
Kindness Tree
After arriving ahead of her family to greet guests and performers, Kate returned outside as the family placed their notes on the Kindness Tree, which featured dedications personally written from guests to people who have shown love, empathy and kindness.
Louis' handwritten note was dedicated to Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, with the young royal writing: "Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me."
Matching cousins
Zara Tindall and Princess Beatrice got the memo as they matched in plum ensembles.
Beatrice, who is pregnant with her second child, attended with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son, Wolfie, eight.
Carole and Michael Middleton
The Princess of Wales's parents have attended the service every year since its inaugural event. Carole was a vision in a white coat, while Michael looked smart in a dark suit and red tie.
Pippa Matthews
The Princess of Wales's sister wowed in a sparkly tweed dress from Karen Millen with sheer tights and burgundy heels.
James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet
Kate's brother and his wife made quite the stylish entrance with the entrepreneur sporting a double-breasted coat with a white shirt and burgundy tie.
Meanwhile, French financial analyst Alizee looked effortlessly chic in a midnight blue velvet suit with an oversized pussy-bow blouse, all from Sezane.
The Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh was among the royals to turn out for the service, stepping out in a white boucle jacket and a purple paisley print dress.
The Windsors
Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor brought their daughters, Maud and Isabella, along to support the Princess of Wales.
Last week, Sophie hinted that there's a family gathering after the event.
Speaking at the Fayre of St James's Christmas charity event, the Sanditon star shared what she was most looking forward to at Kate's carol service
"Beautiful music and beautiful readings. And Hors d'Oeuvres," she said.
Lady Gabriella Kingston
Lady Gabriella Kingston made her first public appearance since June, attending the service with her cousin, Lady Helen Taylor.
Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent
Princess Michael of Kent also got the memo as she wore red for the service.
Celebrity guests
Performers
Turning to Gregory Porter, known as much for his popular songs as his jazz performances, Kate thanked him for agreeing to take part.
She told the singer: "Thank you, I'm conscious it's such a busy time for everybody."
And matching with Paloma Faith in red, Kate added: "It's a celebration, everybody’s wearing red."
Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic cycling champion, who is living with stage four prostate cancer, was among the guests at the event with his wife, Sarra Kemp.
Sir Chris was among the high-profile names to give a reading at the service.
Lorraine Kelly
The TV star looked festive in a red and green tartan coat.
Amy Dowden
The Strictly star looked lovely in an all-red outfit.
Hannah Waddingham
The Ted Lasso star brought the glamour in a floral dress and burgundy coat.
Gregory Porter
The jazz singer was among the performers at the service.
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