The Prince and Princess of Wales are undoubtedly looking forward to some much-needed quality time with their children this festive season, especially after a challenging year for the family. However, in a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that the Wales family will not be joining the rest of the royal family for Christmas lunch this year. But there is another royal figure who will be attending instead.
As the holiday season approaches, families worldwide are preparing for celebrations, and the British royal family is no exception. This year, all eyes are on Prince William and Kate Middleton as they prepare for a very special Christmas at Sandringham. With concerns about security, health challenges, and a focus on creating lasting family memories, the couple traditionally spends Christmas in Norfolk. This year, they will join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham for the big day.
Royal sources confirmed the news, adding that the King, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer, is delighted to have William, Kate, and their three children with him for the holiday. The festivities will include Christmas Eve celebrations, Christmas dinner, and a Christmas Day church service. Other royal family members expected to attend include Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie.
Traditionally, the royal family spends Christmas morning at church before returning to the estate for a day of festivities. However, according to royal commentator Emily Andrews, the Wales family will likely return to their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, after church to spend the rest of the day with Kate’s parents. The source also noted that the entire royal family receives a small gift placed in their stockings, not just the younger members. Zara Tindall, who is also part of the royal celebrations, shared that her family exchanges presents on Christmas Eve. She also recalled fond memories of her late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and how they, too, would receive gifts.
The Tindalls are expected to spend the festive season with the other royals, including attending the Christmas Day church service. Their daughters, Mia and Lena, often enjoy playing with their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The Wales family is known for putting family first, always seen embracing the holiday season to its fullest. This Christmas, their focus will be on creating intimate moments with their children at Anmer Hall, a place that holds a special place in their hearts.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond speculated about possible Christmas scenes with the Wales family, imagining the children tearing open stockings and racing around the house at an ungodly hour on Christmas morning—just like kids everywhere.
While the beginning of the year was difficult for the royal family, particularly for King Charles and Princess Catherine as they both faced cancer diagnoses, it seems there is now a sense of relief as they gather at Sandringham for the festivities. Despite their personal struggles, their bond has only deepened, with the King and Princess Catherine sharing the sad coincidence of both being hospitalized in the same week for what initially seemed like benign conditions, only for both to discover they had cancer.
However, while the Wales family will not be joining the royal Christmas lunch, another controversial figure will be attending—Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. Although Prince Andrew stepped down as a senior working royal in 2019 due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, he continues to attend family events. This year’s Christmas lunch will be no different, with Prince Andrew expected to be joined by his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Emily Andrews added that while Christmas at Sandringham may be more muted this year due to King Charles still receiving cancer treatment, the extended royal family, including Prince Andrew and his family, hope to gather together. However, they will all be waiting to see how the King’s health holds up in the coming weeks.
