Kate Middleton made a rare comment about her cancer journey, admitting she was unprepared for the year she had after discovering her diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales, 42, opened up about her experience while speaking with pop star Paloma Faith at her fourth annual carol service on Dec. 6 at Westminster Abbey.
A video of the interaction shared on X by the U.K.’s Channel 5 News showed the royal saying, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had.”
“The unplanned,” Faith chimed in.
“The unplanned, exactly,” Middleton echoed back in agreement. “But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”
Middleton, who wore a red coat and black velvet bow for the event, was joined at Westminster Abbey on Thursday night by her husband, Prince William, and their three children: George, Charlotte and Louis.
As previously reported, this year’s service, titled “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas,” was filmed and will air on Christmas Eve.
“This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives,” Kensington Palace said in a statement last month.
“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy in others in their communities, whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering.”
The event marked the princess’ first major outing since returning to her royal duties earlier this week to welcome the Emir of Qatar to the UK.
Middleton stepped away from her regular responsibilities after announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
After nine months of chemotherapy, she revealed in September that she’d completed her cancer treatment.