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Kate Middleton is feeling "grateful" this holiday season after a tough year of unexpected health woes.
The Princess of Wales shared a rare comment on her cancer journey while speaking with members of the public after attending the royal family’s Christmas Day service at Sandringham in England, per Page Six. Her newest comments come weeks after she made brief remarks about her health while speaking to English pop star Paloma Faith.
In footage obtained by the Daily Mail, Middleton could be seen conversing with onlookers gathered around the estate, including a fellow cancer survivor.
"The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families," she said. "People like you are doing all the hard work out there. I’m hugely grateful."
The public also showed their support for the royal, with one woman telling Middleton, "We’re all behind you, never forget that." She thanked her for the sentiment, adding that it was "so kind."
According to People, the Princess of Wales also spoke to Karen Maclean, who has had her own 20-year battle with the disease, and the pair shared a powerful hug.
"We were talking about our illnesses, because we’re both cancer victims, when she reached out and hugged me. It was really unexpected and such a joy… I gave her a tight squeeze back" Maclean told The Sun. She added, "It was such a surreal moment. I wasn’t expecting that at all. It was so overwhelmingly good. You get a camaraderie with other cancer victims. Unless you’ve been on that journey you can’t understand what it’s like."
Middleton’s father-in-law, King Charles III, also spoke on the "uncertainties and anxieties of illness" during his annual Christmas Day address. Charles has also been experiencing his own cancer journey and going through treatment after being diagnosed in February. Buckingham Palace recently shared an update on his health and revealed that his treatment will "continue into next year."
