King Charles and Kate, Princess of Wales’s most recent royal engagements
The Princess of Wales, who is in hospital in London after undergoing abdominal surgery, had a string of engagements in the lead up to Christmas.
Kate, 42, was last seen by the public on Christmas Day as she attended the Royal Family’s annual church service in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Princess of Wales will stay in hospital for two weeks
Meanwhile, her father-in-law, the King, is to have a corrective procedure in hospital next week for an enlarged prostate, a condition which is benign.
One of his most recent public appearances this year was on 5 January when he visited a school in Norfolk.
The 75-year-old monarch attended Flitcham Church of England Primary Academy, where he opened its new library, named the Coronation Library in his honour.
Before that, the King and Queen attended a service on New Year’s Eve at St Mary Magdalene Church, a short walk from the Royal Family’s home at Sandringham.
The couple and other royals were also at the same church on 25 December.
Kate is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. Here are some of her other most recent engagements:
8 December
Kate hosted her Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
She welcomed her family, members of the monarchy and inspiring individuals in celebration of those supporting children and families.
The event was later broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1.
5 December
The Princess of Wales officially opened a children’s surgery unit at Evelina London, a children’s hospital in Lambeth, south London, and part of Guy’s And St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Kate was told how families benefit from the £55m day surgery unit and admitted how visits to such settings are “nerve-wracking as a parent”.
Later that day, Kate joined other members of the Royal Family as the King and Queen welcomed ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomats to Buckingham Palace for a glittering reception.
Kate dazzled in the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a diamond and pearl-encrusted headpiece made in 1914, which was often worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Royal women traditionally wear tiaras and other jewellery pieces for the occasion, which is held every year and sees more than 500 members of the Diplomatic Corps hosted in the palace’s state rooms.
30 November
Kate and William attended the Royal Variety Performance.
The event at the Royal Albert Hall saw Kate in a blue teal dress from designer Toteme and which came from Sweden.
The royal couple walked into their golden box to a standing ovation for an evening of performances headlined by US star, Cher.
November
In a private event which was later made public a few weeks later in December, Kate took her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis volunteering at a baby bank in Holyport, near Maidenhead.
The young royals were seen picking out Christmas presents for those in need.
On 24 November, Kate and the children visited another baby bank, called Sebby’s Corner, in north London to launch a campaign by her Royal Foundation.
The initiative encourages the public to donate goods, money or their time to support their local baby bank.