For many families, deciding where to spend Christmas can be a difficult choice. Just ask the Prince and Princess of Wales. In the early days of their relationship, they would spend Christmas with their respective families and come together for New Year. However, there was one year when this didn’t happen, and it left Catherine devastated.
Her first Christmas with the royal family almost took a tearful turn as she grappled with guilt over her sister Pippa's breakup with Alex Loudon. Despite the sudden fame, Pippa has maintained a relatively low profile, known for her elegance and reserve. She is often seen but seldom heard. Her marriage to James Matthews only further solidified her connection to another prominent British family.
In December 2011, Catherine was invited to join the late Queen at Sandringham for the festive season. While this was an exciting time for Prince William’s new wife, she reportedly felt sad to be separated from Pippa, who had broken up with her boyfriend just one month earlier.
Royal expert Katie Nell reflected on how Pippa’s split cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion for the newlywed princess. Pippa and Alex had dated for 18 months, with Alex even accompanying Pippa to William and Catherine's royal wedding. But Alex, a former England cricketer, ended the relationship due to complications arising from Pippa's newfound royal profile.
The royal spotlight seemed to have played a role in Pippa Middleton’s heartbreak, as her romance with Alex Loudon reportedly struggled under the overwhelming attention that came with her sister’s royal status. Alex adored Pippa but couldn’t stand the circus that now surrounded her. Before the wedding, Pippa was relatively unknown, living a quiet life in the English countryside. She worked for her parents’ company, Party Pieces, and enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, often participating in marathons and triathlons.
After the wedding, Pippa navigated the tricky waters of fame with remarkable grace and discretion. Catherine, still adjusting to her new role as Duchess of Cambridge, felt a sense of responsibility for Pippa’s split and was overwhelmed with guilt, especially as Pippa struggled with the public attention.
Alex, who came from a distinguished family, reportedly didn’t see Pippa as wife material, although his parents were welcoming toward her. Alex, a professional cricketer until 2007, then moved into business finance and became a city banker. Pippa eventually found love with hedge fund manager James Matthews. They married in May 2017 at St Mark’s Church in Englefield Estate and have since welcomed three children: Arthur, Grace, and two-year-old Rose.
Pippa’s third pregnancy became public when she showed off her baby bump at the 2022 Party at the Palace concert for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. Rose became Carol and Michael Middleton’s sixth and youngest grandchild, behind her older siblings and their royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In 2006, after years of dating, Catherine and William were still facing challenges in their relationship. According to a book, Catherine was left in floods of tears when William canceled their New Year’s plans at the last minute, leaving her fearing for the future of their romance. However, the split was short-lived, and the couple’s relationship was soon confirmed to be back on track.
As for their children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—this year, it’s not known exactly what gifts they received for Christmas, but Catherine is said to prefer giving them practical presents to avoid lavishing too many tech gifts on them, ensuring they don’t spend excessive time in front of screens.
