Kate Middleton's fourth annual Christmas carol service was a significant event, with most of her family in attendance. However, two notable absences caught everyone's attention. King Charles did not grace the holiday event on December 6th. Although no official statement was provided regarding his non-appearance, it is widely believed that his decision was intentional, aiming to keep the focus on the 42-year-old Princess of Wales who was hosting the gathering.

Royal Hierarchy and the Event

When both Charles and Camilla are present, the order of royal hierarchy usually takes precedence. But since this event is Kate's passion project and she was the host, it was only fitting that she and Prince William would be the senior-most royals in attendance. This shows the importance of her role and the significance she holds within the royal family.

Last Year's Absence

Last year, Charles and Camilla also did not attend the service. The King was engaged in an outing at his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire, which is over 100 miles away from Westminster Abbey in London where the carol service was held. Additionally, Queen Camilla, 77, is still recovering from a recent bout of pneumonia and has been gradually reducing her public appearances as she continues to heal.

Kate and Charles' Difficult Year

Both Kate and Charles have had a challenging year following their undisclosed forms of cancer diagnoses. This unique situation has the potential to strengthen their bond as they navigate through this difficult time together. It is a first in the monarchy's history that two senior royals are facing such a diagnosis simultaneously. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith previously shared, "He has always had a very good bond with her. I don't think it is presumptuous to say that she is like the daughter he never had. He shares with William an impulse to protect her. They are in this together, Kate and the King."

Family at the Service

Although the King and Queen did not attend the annual holiday tradition, Princess Kate was accompanied by her husband, Prince William, and their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This outing marked the first time the three siblings made a joint public appearance since Trooping the Colour in June. Several of her closest family members were also present, including her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings Pippa and James Middleton. Continuing the tradition, Princess Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey first to greet the volunteers and guests, and her family joined her just before the service began.