King Charles' lonely Christmas party as closest relatives swerve festive get-together
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King Charles is hosting his annual pre-Christmas lunch today for up to 70 members - but several key members of the Firm will be missing. Each year, in the days before Christmas, a festive party is held for all members of the Royal Family with around 70 of the King's relatives invited to the bash. However, despite a whole host of relatives set to be at Buckingham Palace today for the party, several of Charles' closest relatives won't be there.
It was revealed before the bash that Charles's son Prince William, daughter-in-law Kate and their three children would not be there. A royal source said William and Kate are already in Norfolk, as had been planned, and were instead looking forward to spending time with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham over Christmas.
The Wales family have Amner Hall, their country retreat on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where they usually spend the school holidays. However, they are expected to join the royal Christmas celebrations there next week with the King and other invited members of the family. It is believed the Waleses', who have attended the event in the past with their children, decided not to attend the lunch some time ago.
Not only that but Charles' youngest son Prince Harry will also not be there with his wife Meghan Markle and children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Sussexes look set to spend the festive period in California as the feud between Harry and his father rumbles on.
