I was stunned by the three-minute video, and I’m sure others were too. Catherine’s decision to film such an intimate message while sitting on a bench in the Windsor garden, surrounded by bright yellow daffodils, was touching. She made a public announcement about her health in March, sharing updates on her journey through the good and the bad. Her willingness to invite cameras into her private life showed unprecedented vulnerability.

Princess Catherine has faced her challenges in public like no other royal has before. According to recent polls, she has risen to the top of the royal popularity charts. Interestingly, her husband, William, has dropped to third place, overshadowed by another royal. Catherine’s handling of the year may have helped shore up the monarchy in the face of any anti-monarchy sentiment that is currently on the rise.

King Charles may have played a small role in the change, but it pales in comparison to the impact of Catherine’s openness throughout the year. Meanwhile, Princess Anne took second place in popularity, with 70% approval from the UK public after stepping up her royal duties in early 2024 while Charles and Catherine were on medical leave. Although Prince William took third place with 59% approval, his wife continued to shine brighter in the public eye.

Meghan Markle, on the other hand, has received a mixed reception, but she has come close to matching William’s popularity with younger audiences, suggesting a potential positive trend for her in the UK. Prince Harry still maintains a higher approval rating than Meghan, but remains in the negative range. It’s hard to imagine this discussion happening without the influence of the Sussexes, who have been pioneers in establishing an open, accessible relationship with the public.

Catherine’s journey this year has taken that approach further than anyone expected. As the year comes to a close, Catherine stressed that her health remains her top priority. She noted that she is focused on staying cancer-free, admitting that she is not yet fully recovered. However, she plans to make more public appearances when she can, while maintaining a renewed sense of hope and gratitude for life, taking it one day at a time.