The Prince and Princess of Wales made a joyful return to a cherished royal tradition today, attending King Charles's annual pre-Christmas family lunch at Buckingham Palace. The event marked a significant moment for the Wales family, who had missed the gathering last year.
A Festive Family Reunion
Prince William was seen driving his family through the palace gates, with Princess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all in attendance. The lunch, which invites around 70 members of the extended Royal Family, serves as a key festive catch-up before Christmas Day itself. Not all relatives gather at Sandringham for the main celebrations, making this a vital opportunity for the family to connect.
Kate Middleton, who is now in good health, looked radiant in a bright red dress, accessorised with a black bow in her hair. Princess Charlotte charmingly mirrored her mother's style, sporting a matching bow alongside a burgundy outfit. Their appearance signalled a happy and healthy return to public family duties after a period focused on recovery.
Notable Attendees and Absences
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also present, accompanied by their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor. Notably in attendance were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the King's nieces, who were seen beaming as they arrived. Eugenie added a festive touch with candy cane-shaped earrings.
The sisters' presence came after they deliberately skipped Kate's carol concert earlier this month, a move believed to be an effort to avoid drawing unwanted attention due to the ongoing scandal surrounding their father, Prince Andrew. The Duke of York was conspicuously absent from today's festivities. Reports indicate he spent the day on a solitary horse ride in Windsor, as he prepares to move from Royal Lodge to a smaller home on the Sandringham estate in the New Year.
Return to Palace Tradition
This year's lunch continued its recent return to Buckingham Palace, the venue where the late Queen Elizabeth II nearly always hosted the event. While King Charles had previously held it at Windsor Castle, it moved back to the London palace last year. The gathering underscores the King's commitment to maintaining family traditions and unity during the holiday season.
The Wales family's participation this year stands in contrast to their absence in 2024, when they spent the Christmas period at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, as Kate continued her recovery. Their joyful return to the palace today marks a full-circle moment and a heartening sign of stability for the monarchy as it heads into the new year.
