Prince William and Kate Middleton have seemingly said no to King Charles’ traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.
The Prince and Princess of Wales raised eyebrows with their latest move as they avoid attending the monarch’s pre-Christmas lunch at the Palace on Thursday, with Duke and Duchess of York also skipping the gathering.
The King Charles beloved daughter-in-law and son William’s absence has sparked reactions, with some speculating as the much-adored royal couple’s absence seems to be a result of the ongoing crisis within the family.
However, the an insider has claimed that the couple – who are already in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – are looking forward to spending time with members of the Firm as usual at the Sandringham estate over Christmas.
Princess Kate and William’s absence was in no way linked to the Duke of York pulling out of the lunch amid the ongoing alleged ‘Chinese spy’ scandal.
The confirmation of the couple’s absence from the event was given at teh eleventh hour.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, with Christopher ‘Wolfie’ Woolf (rear left), eight, who is Edoardo’s son and Beatrice’s stepson
King Charles was seen arriving at the palace in a car with his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton for the gathering, held for senior royals and their wider family who will not be attending Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Andrew’s daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their husbands Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank were also in presence.
Also arriving were Queen Camilla; Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
The King’s second cousin Lady Gabriella Windsor; Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma; and Lord Frederick Windsor with his wife Sophie Winkleman and their daughter Isabella. Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence also attended the party.
