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.”

This holiday season, the British Royal Family is once again blending cherished traditions with modern touches as they gather to celebrate Christmas. In a year full of tough changes and uncertainty for the royals,