The Prince and Princess of Wales’s attendance at King Charles’s annual pre-Christmas lunch hangs in the balance as the monarch has moved the traditional gathering to Buckingham Palace, according to new claims.
The festive family event, which typically brings together around 70 members of the extended Royal Family, faces uncertainty over whether William, Kate and their three children will be present.
The change of venue from Windsor Castle, where it has been held for the past two years, comes as the Wales family may have already departed for their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, for the school holidays.
The timing of the lunch could prove crucial in determining whether the future King and his family will join the celebrations at the Palace this year.
Princess Kate and Prince William set to be impacted by King Charles’s major change
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The Wales family’s potential absence stems from the timing of their traditional retreat to Anmer Hall, their Norfolk residence, for the school holidays.
The family’s schedule revolves around their children’s term dates, with their Norfolk home serving as a favoured destination for family breaks.
Hello! magazine reports that the Prince and Princess of Wales’s attendance at the Palace gathering will depend entirely on whether they have already departed London for their countryside residence.
The timing presents a particular challenge this year, as the venue shift to Buckingham Palace marks a departure from the previous two years’ arrangements at Windsor Castle.
The family’s presence would be significant, as they have historically attended the gathering, having been photographed at previous Christmas lunches, including in 2018.
The royal Christmas lunch traditionally brings together dozens of extended family members who cannot attend the main Sandringham gathering.
Mike Tindall previously offered a rare insight into the scale of the festivities, revealing: “There must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room.”
Expected guests include the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal, Mike and Zara Tindall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their families.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins, including Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, typically join the celebration.
The Duke of York has been encouraged to make a discreet arrival and departure from this year’s gathering.
King Charles has opted to host this year’s gathering at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant change from the previous two years when the event was held at Windsor Castle.
The venue change represents a return to a more traditional setting for the Royal Family’s festive celebration.
The lunch at Buckingham Palace serves a specific purpose, accommodating extended members of the monarch’s family who are unable to attend the main Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
The King and Queen Camilla will later host the royals in Norfolk over the festive period, with the Queen’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, and their families invited to join for the first time.
