The holidays are here, and the Cambridges are getting into the swing of it! Christmastime is always a very special period for the royal family. With three little ones, it's an even bigger treat for Prince William and Kate Middleton. The two began getting into the holiday spirit as they attended Queen Elizabeth's annual pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace. The tradition gathers the larger royal family together before the Queen heads to Sandringham for the holiday.
Kate Middleton was smiling and festive in a red plaid ensemble as she pulled up with 4-year-old Princess Charlotte and 1-year-old Prince Louis. In another car, Prince William looked sharp arriving with 6-year-old Prince George. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle weren't in attendance, as they are still away on holiday, there were a lot of other people there. Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were among the many who joined the celebration.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting geared up for the holidays! With their three little ones, this time of year is sure to be full of magical memories. Their Christmas festivities kicked off with Queen Elizabeth's annual pre-Christmas luncheon.
The Cambridges mixed and mingled with the many family members who attended this year's event. The Queen likes to get the extended family together at Buckingham Palace before she heads to Sandringham for the holidays. Will and Kate will join her there this year.
Since Kate is also very close with her family, the Cambridges usually alternate Christmases with the Middletons and the royal family. Earlier reports indicated this would be a Middleton year, but that appears not to be the case. Christmas with the Queen could prove to be very special this year, especially for William and Kate's children.
Sources tell People that Prince George and Princess Charlotte will make their Christmas Day debut this year. That means they will join their parents and the rest of the royal family for church service at St. Mary Magdalene. Prince Louis is still a bit young to join his older siblings.
The two oldest Cambridge children have been spotted on Christmas Day before. In 2016, while spending the holiday with Kate's family, the then-family of four was seen attending church services. They visited a church near Kate's childhood home in Buckleberry.
Last year, for Louis' first Christmas, the parents of three received a very early wake-up call from their kids. "This morning was about 5 a.m.," William told the crowd. "Very early," Kate agreed. "But it was lovely to see their faces."
The royal family likes to make light of Christmas when it comes to gift-giving. Don't expect any lavish gifts given between them. On Christmas Eve, they exchange mostly gag gifts, like the year that Kate got Harry a "Grow Your Own Girlfriend" kit.
Another wonderful Christmas tradition that the royal family enjoys is the release of Christmas photos. Fans of the family anxiously await each year's shot. It's been an especially fond tradition since the next generation of the family has been born.
While William and Kate haven't released their official Christmas photo in social media yet, it's popped up online from those who have already received a physical copy. The Cambridges went casual for this year's shot. "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year," the message from the royals reads in cards.
The family looks simply adorable in their latest family photo. They're all wearing a shade of blue as they pose on an antique motorcycle and sidecar. Prince William is a known motorcycle enthusiast.
William and Kate will be heading to Anmer Hall as soon as their kids are out of school. While they'll be spending Christmas with the Queen, they'll also enjoy the countryside break with the kids. Notably absent from the celebrations will be Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It's unclear where exactly Harry and Meghan will spend the holiday. While reports indicated that they were in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland, there's been no word on where the new family of three will spend Christmas. Perhaps they'll be off the grid in Africa, where they all have sentimental ties.
Regardless of where the Sussexes spend Christmas, there's something to look forward to. Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan will follow the family tradition of releasing a Christmas card. That means we'll get our first peek at how big Archie has gotten since he was last seen this summer!
Hopefully, 2020 brings a calmer and quieter year for the royal family. We hope to see all those rumors and scandals put to rest. It'll make room for more precious moments between all the children who make up the next generation, and that's sure to be incredible.
