Major Prince William and Princess Kate update as pair absent from key family gathering

The Prince and Princess of Wales will not attend a festive gathering with the extended Royal Family at Buckingham Palace today.

Princess Kate and Prince William will not be attending King Charles’s annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today.

It is understood that they are already in Norfolk – and always planned to be.

A royal source said the Prince and Princess of Wales are looking forward to spending Christmas at Sandringham with the family, as usual.

Kate and William have a property on the Sandringham estate, Anmer Hall, where they often retreat for the school holidays. The Georgian home dates back to the 18th century and is the perfect place for the family to get some downtime, as it’s set in the beautiful countryside.

The King waved to crowds as he was driven through the Palace gates ready to host his Christmas luncheon, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh pictured arriving shortly aftewards.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Prince William and Princess Kate will not attend a pre-Christmas lunch today (Image: Getty)

Today’s private lunch will see the monarch invite the wider family, who will not join the king at the Sandringham estate next week.

The King hosted his last two festive gatherings at Windsor Castle, but this year, the venue was moved back to Buckingham Palace, a venue favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth.

Another person missing this year is Prince Andrew, who pulled out of the event over the furore over his associated with an alleged Chinese spy.

He and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson had been invited to the annual gathering of over 70 royals, but the Duchess of York is understood to have persuaded Andrew that it was unwise to attend.

King Charles III and his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton arriving for the King’s Xmas lunch (Image: PA)

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The move will come as a relief for King Charles as his younger brother has once again been thrust into the spotlight over a controversial business relationship.

Earlier this week, Andrew and Sarah bowed out of joining the rest of the Firm for the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham over the Duke’s relationship with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.

Andrew’s withdrawal from Sandringham was also likely to have been influenced by his two daughters’ earlier decision to spend the festivities with their respective in-laws.

But his exclusion from a private family event will likely set a new precedent, bringing his attendance at Easter and even Balmoral over the summer into doubt.