Two years ago, the Royal Family faced a monumental change as they marked their first Christmas without Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022.

The world mourned her loss at the age of 96. Britain’s longest-serving monarch was urgently taken to Balmoral after doctors expressed being “concerned” for her health. She eventually passed away “peacefully,” surrounded by her family.

This somber event was followed by a series of hardships for the Royal Family, including the heartbreaking cancer diagnosis of the Princess of Wales.

In March, Kate revealed she had been undergoing preventative chemotherapy since late February after being diagnosed with cancer.

Chemotherapy, a treatment using potent drugs to target tumors, is often used either to combat cancer directly or to shrink tumors in preparation for surgery.

In a September video, Kate opened up about the struggles of the past nine months, describing them as “incredibly tough” for her and her loved ones.

“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” she said.

After completing six months of preventative chemotherapy, the princess shared the good news that she is now “cancer free.”

“Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she added.

Initially, Kate’s surgery was believed to address a non-cancerous condition. However, follow-up tests revealed the presence of cancer, leading to the recommendation of a course of preventative chemotherapy. Kate described herself as being in the “early stages” of that treatment at the time.

Preventative chemotherapy, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, is designed to prevent cancer from returning after the removal of the main tumor.

The impact of her illness has also weighed heavily on her family. Prince William declared 2024 the “hardest year in my life,” as both his wife and father battled cancer diagnoses.

In an emotional and unusually candid interview during his official visit to South Africa in November, William described the past few months as “brutal.”

But the Prince also expressed how deeply “proud” he felt of Catherine and the King for confronting their health challenges with remarkable dignity and courage.

With a slight sigh and a softer tone, he admitted: “Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.

“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

“But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

Earlier that week, he also lavished praise on his wife, describing her as “amazing this whole year.”

The Prince is sure to remain a steadfast source of support for his father, King Charles, who will continue his cancer treatment into 2025.

Shortly before Christmas, a Buckingham Palace insider shared that the 76-year-old King’s health is still being “managed” but is “moving in a positive direction.”

Despite a personally demanding year, during which both he and the Princess of Wales faced cancer diagnoses, Charles has persisted with his royal duties.

News of Charles’ cancer, the exact type of which remains undisclosed, emerged in February, after it was detected during his treatment for an enlarged prostate in January.

He canceled all in-person public engagements but made a return in April. Since then, he has traveled to France for D-Day commemorations, hosted state visits from the Emperor of Japan and the Emir of Qatar, and completed a busy tour to Australia and Samoa with the Queen, all while still receiving outpatient cancer treatment.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, 77, is dealing with her own health issues. She is reportedly recovering from pneumonia following a royal tour of Australia and Samoa with her husband.

The chest infection has temporarily sidelined her from several royal duties, and at one point, she was said to be resting at their home in Wiltshire, under the care of doctors.