AFTER KATE'S EMOTIONAL CAROL SERVICE REUNITING FOR A SPECIAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS THE ROYALS GATHER LOVED ONES AS THEY PREPARE FOR POIGNANT FESTIVE BREAK

As she watched her beloved Achildren hold flickering candles at her carol concert in the majestic confines of Westminster Abbey, giving her husband the Prince a loving glance, few could doubt that this will be a particularly poignant Christmas for the Princess of Wales.

- EMILY NASH

It has been a year like no other - and it will be a Christmas like no other as Kate and William join the King and Queen to celebrate at Sandringham.

For although the festivities will follow a familiar, traditional pattern, their time together will surely be more emotional than ever as they bring an extraordinary year in the royal family's history to a close.

TOGETHER AGAIN

After the challenges of the King and Kate's treatment for cancer, a huge number of their loved ones will make the journey to Norfolk to spend precious time together, including the Queen's son Tom Parker Bowles, who is joining her there for the first time.

"After the terrible year they've had, it's all about celebration and being together as a family, like anybody else at Christmas," royal author Robert Jobson tells HELLO!.

"The King just wants to celebrate with his family around him." With the Wales children now on holiday from Lambrook school, they have plenty of festive fun to look forward to.

Earlier this month, 11-yearold Prince George, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis were front and centre at their mother's fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service.

HELLO! was inside Westminster Abbey as they took their seats in the front row between proud parents William and Kate, the Princess looking overjoyed to be alongside her family at this very special event.

As the service began, William's candle was lit by a volunteer and he shared his flame to light George's, who then lit Charlotte's.

The little Princess, her long hair tied half up with a bow and styled in soft waves, helped to light Louis's candle and Kate glanced fondly at her younger son as she, in turn, lit her candle from his.