Prince William and Kate Middleton pull out of Buckingham Palace pre-Christmas lunch
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The Prince and Princess of Wales skipped the annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today. The festive party is held for all members of the Royal Family and usually takes place around a week before Christmas, with around 70 of the King's relatives invited to the bash. It offers the family a chance to catch up as not all of them will be joining the festivities at Sandringham, including the walk to church and Christmas dinner on December 25 itself.
It had been thought that William and Kate would attend with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, however, they have already begun their Christmas holiday so weren't at the event in London. A royal source said the family are already in Norfolk, as had been planned, and are looking forward to spending time with the rest of the royal family in Sandringham over Christmas.
The Wales family have Anmer 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, made the decision not to attend the lunch some time ago.
For the past two years, King Charles has held pre-Christmas lunch party at Windsor Castle but it has returned to be held at Buckingham Palace today, where the late Queen nearly always hosted the gathering. Earlier today, the King was seen heading into the palace ahead of the party to make final preparations for his guests. He was followed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, in entering the palace.
