Kate Middleton and Prince William's Christmas riddle as couple mysteriously pull out of huge event
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The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised fans by skipping the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today. The couple were expected to attend the annual celebration along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. But just a short time before the luncheon was due to start, it was revealed that the family would be missing the event.
A royal source said that the family is already in Norfolk, as had been planned, and is looking forward to spending time with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham over Christmas. While beleaguered royal Prince Andrew was also absent, amid the ongoing furore over his relationship with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were both there.
George, Charlotte, and Louis broke up for their Christmas holidays from Lambrook on 13 December and it is thought the Waleses family immediately travelled to Anmer Hall, their much-loved country retreat on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. But the family's absence from the Buckingham Palace lunch has nevertheless raised eyebrows - not least because, as a future monarch, William usually attends such big royal events - and has done so for a number of years.
However, a Kensington Palace source told the Telegraph: "The decision not to attend the lunch was made some time ago." It also meant that the King didn't have either of his sons with him at the Palace - although the Waleses will be celebrating Christmas with Charles and Queen Camilla just next week.
