The royal family met with members of the public during the yearly Christmas trip to Sandringham, which included the Princess of Wales.

Catherine spoke to the crowd as she walked, and many of them sent their best wishes after the royal’s challenging year, during which she received preventative chemotherapy. However, due to her time with the crowd, Catherine ended up becoming separated from her family.

Ever calm, this didn’t bother Catherine, who quipped: “I think I’ve lost my family.”

Prince William, Catherine’s husband, and their three kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—joined her for the walkabout, where they timidly waved to onlookers.

Despite their shyness, Charlotte was spotted accepting a gift of chocolates and flowers and taking a selfie with a well-wisher. Louis was observed accepting a number of chocolates and even a plush toy, so these weren’t the only presents.

Catherine made her first public appearance since the royal family recorded her Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey on December 6. The theme of the service was empathy, kindness, and love.

The mother of three asked Lady Gabriella Kingston, whose husband committed suicide earlier this year, to assist her with the arrangements in keeping with that spirit.

A source close to Lady Gabriella stated: “She was very touched and grateful to the Princess to be asked to contribute to her very special concert, and that she felt honoured to do so.”

In a message broadcast during the service, Catherine said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.”

“It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”