In the end, it was the year that Prince William described as probably “the hardest year in my life.” The sudden dual cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales thrust the royals, and the UK, in to unprecedented territory. Working timetables were tossed aside as the family dealt with personal challenges that William described as “brutal.”

The King's Speech will see Charles in a former hospital chapel as he and Princess Kate mark the holiday after a year in which they were diagnosed with cancer. Prince Andrew and Prince Harry will be absent.

King Charles III and several close members of the royal family attended Christmas services at Sandringham Church on Wednesday, a long-standing tradition.