As the world welcomed the dawn of a new year, millions of people bid farewell to the past and eagerly embraced a fresh start. This year, the Wales family celebrated New Year’s Eve in style, surrounded by love and warmth with the Middleton family. Amid the festivities, Prince William and Princess Catherine surprised the world by sharing an emotional message, along with a collection of photos reflecting on their most cherished memories of 2024. Their heartfelt words left millions of followers deeply moved.
"Happy New Year! Wishing you all a wonderful 2025," the royal couple wrote. "2024 was a year of both joy and adversity for the Wales family."
Among the photos shared was a poignant image of Princess Catherine embracing her family, taken from a video in September where she announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. This photo symbolized her resilience and unwavering support from her family during a challenging time. Prince George, standing nearly as tall as his mother, exuded confidence in a blue t-shirt, while Princess Charlotte looked graceful in a crisp white blouse. The youngest, Prince Louis, added a playful touch to the scene with his summer shorts.
One of the standout memories of the year was a touching meeting with Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour in June. A backstage selfie from Wembley Stadium captured Prince George and Princess Charlotte alongside the pop star. Charlotte, in a sparkling t-shirt dress, matched Swift’s glittery energy, making this encounter a highlight of the year.
The world eagerly awaited Princess Catherine’s return to public engagements after her cancer diagnosis. Her comeback came at the Trooping the Colour event, and a photo from the celebration showed Catherine alongside Prince William, their children, King Charles, and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Catherine’s striking black and white ensemble, radiant smile, and composure in the face of rainy weather showcased her courage and determination, lifting the spirits of the cheerful crowds.
Throughout the year, Catherine’s compassion shone brightly. One particularly moving memory shared in the post was her embrace of Liz Hatton, a 16-year-old cancer patient she met at Windsor Castle. Liz, who passed away in November, shared a passion for photography with Catherine, who described her as an inspiration. Another powerful image featured Prince William and Princess Catherine speaking with emergency service members who responded to the fatal Southport knife attack in July. During their October meeting, which marked Catherine’s first public engagement with William since her diagnosis, she praised the responders for their bravery and emphasized the importance of self-care. “You’re all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves. Don’t rush back to work,” she urged them.
The year concluded with Catherine’s fourth Christmas Carol concert in December, where a festive family photo captured the group in coordinated red outfits. Catherine and Charlotte wore elegant coats, while William, George, and Louis sported matching ties. The concert, held at Westminster Abbey, has become a cherished tradition, highlighting the family's dedication to spreading holiday cheer.
Prince William’s engagements also featured prominently in the couple’s year-end reflections. Among these was his January meeting with English Rugby Union coach Kevin Sinfield and modern-day motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow, reflecting his commitment to raising awareness for important causes.
The emotional post resonated deeply with royal admirers, offering a rare glimpse into the family’s personal moments and challenges. Katherine and William’s ability to connect with people through their vulnerability and kindness added an extra layer of inspiration to their New Year message. As the clock struck midnight, the couple’s heartfelt words and reflections reminded the world of the importance of resilience, compassion, and hope. Their shared moments of joy and solidarity have set a meaningful tone for 2025, leaving millions inspired and hopeful for the year ahead.
