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It's sad when families grow apart and Christmas traditions fall by the wayside....

King Charles is kicking off the Christmas celebrations at his annual pre-Christmas Palace lunch, but not everyone will be in attendance.

PEOPLE understands that Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, will not be present at this year's festivities.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were never expected to attend the lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, Dec. 19. The couple and their children are already in Norfolk, England, more than 100 miles away from London, ahead of the royal family's private Christmas celebrations at the Sandringham Estate.

PEOPLE understands that William and Kate are looking forward to catching up with family at Sandringham over Christmas as usual.

While Kate and William may not have joined in the festivities, Charles, 76, still hosted several members of the royal family for Christmas lunch, including his younger brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Charles' brother Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson canceled their appearance at the Christmas luncheon in the wake of backlash around the Duke of York's suspected connection to an alleged Chinese "spy."

PEOPLE understands that the Duke of York, 64, reached the decision after discussing the matter with his ex-wife, the Duchess of York, who convinced him that this was the right move. The same is true of Prince Andrew's decision to skip the royal family's Christmas gathering at Sandringham next week on Dec. 25.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward tells PEOPLE that Andrew will have also spoken things over with his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who are protective and loyal towards him.

"Despite [the Duchess'] missteps in the past, she does know how things will play out socially. She would tell him it’s best to stay away. And Beatrice would have backed her up in that," says Seward.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson, who is popularly known as Fergie, divorced in 1996 after a decade of marriage, but remain close today and continue to live at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The royals' Christmas lunch is a private family gathering, and a tradition King Charles has continued from his late mother Queen Elizabeth's reign. Dozens of family members convene about a week before Christmas for the upbeat holiday meal at Buckingham Palace in London. From there, the late Queen would head to Sandringham House, her private estate in the Norfolk countryside, and step out for church at St. Mary Magdalene on Christmas Day with her family in tow.

The royal family's Christmas plans have been under unusual scrutiny this year amid fallout around Andrew's alleged links to the "spy" scandal. Charles' younger brother has been under harsh spotlight since Dec. 13, when it emerged that he reportedly had close professional ties to a Chinese national, alleged to be a spy. The story made headlines when a British court upheld an existing decision to ban the man from the U.K. on national security grounds following a special immigration investigation, drawing attention also to his reported relationship with Andrew.

Looking ahead to the royal family's Christmas plans on Dec. 25, PEOPLE understands that Prince Andrew, Fergie, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and their respective families will not join King Charles at Sandringham because of the spy scandal. Though Andrew hasn't held a working royal role for years, he continues to join his family for major ceremonial events and holiday celebrations.

The York family had been widely expected to stay at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate for Christmas like they did last year, but the plans have apparently pivoted.

PEOPLE understands that Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, had invitations to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws some time ago and have decided to do so. Their attendance at Sandringham had been in question, an insider says, while their parents will likely keep a low profile at Royal Lodge, their home on grounds of Windsor Castle.

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by Anonymousreply 50December 24, 2024 2:51 PM

Their obscene unearned wealth will comfort them.

by Anonymousreply 1December 19, 2024 11:56 PM

Wills rocks the beard! ✅️

by Anonymousreply 2December 19, 2024 11:58 PM

Charles has pretty much lost control over the family.

When Elizabeth II was queen, EVERYONE attended her events out of respect.

Now? Not so much.

Charles should have ruled his family with a firmer hand.

by Anonymousreply 3December 20, 2024 12:03 AM

Who cares about Wills & Kate - what I want to know is: is the maid that got drunk & got arrested after the company Christmas party be in attendance?

by Anonymousreply 4December 20, 2024 12:11 AM

Seek help, OP.

by Anonymousreply 5December 20, 2024 12:13 AM

William and Kate declared some time ago they would be attending the Sandringham celebrations, which are in fact the main Christmas ones for the family, including the church service which is the PR moment showing the Royals together at Christmas.

Kate has been so ill for so long, it's hardly surprising that they might like to spend Christmas Day in a place where their children can run about excitedly like normal children on Christmas, and not have to sit up straight and mind their manners.

by Anonymousreply 6December 20, 2024 1:19 AM

[quote] Kate has been so ill for so long, it's hardly surprising that they might like to spend Christmas Day in a place where their children can run about excitedly like normal children on Christmas, and not have to sit up straight and mind their manners.

Has anyone asked how I'M doing?

by Anonymousreply 7December 20, 2024 3:07 AM

Holy cow William is morphing into one of his 19th century forbearers in that beard.

by Anonymousreply 8December 20, 2024 3:08 AM

So Wills won't be doing shit on his end? Things sound bad for the family. Charles doesn't seem very forceful as a King. His brother is awful, I agree, but now the Royal Family is being whittled down to the bare minimum. Sounds like they all hate each other.

by Anonymousreply 9December 20, 2024 3:40 AM

[quote] So Wills won't be doing shit on his end? Things sound bad for the family

It speaks volumes that William would rather spend Christmas with the CHAV Middlington family, than with his father the KING and his step mother the Queen.

The Middlington Chavs remind me of the Boleyn family.

Low class social climbers trying desperately to make their daughter the future Queen of the United Kingdom.

Then they can profit from her position.

by Anonymousreply 10December 20, 2024 3:47 AM

As if all the upper class social climbers wouldn't have liked their own daughters to marry William, R10. The Spencers certainly had no compunction in letting 19-year-old Diana marry the heir.

by Anonymousreply 11December 20, 2024 9:42 AM

R10 You don't know much, do you?

The Middletons aren't chavs. The word doesn't mean what you think it does. The Boleyn family was one of the grandest in the land. They owned Hever Castle ffs.

by Anonymousreply 12December 20, 2024 10:04 AM

Did anyone read the fucking article? This lunch was on 19 December. William and Kate will spend Christmas DAY at Sandringham with the King, as they always do

by Anonymousreply 13December 20, 2024 10:27 AM

[quote] Wills rocks the beard!

Yes, the hypocritical pig. He chastised Harry for his beard, saying it didn't look "Royal".

by Anonymousreply 14December 20, 2024 10:29 AM

[quote] The Spencers certainly had no compunction in letting 19-year-old Diana marry the heir.

The Spencers are an aristocratic British family.

The Middletons are NOT.

You trying to compare the Middletons to the Spencers, is laughable.

by Anonymousreply 15December 20, 2024 12:06 PM

People who read PEOPLE are the thickest people in the world.

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by Anonymousreply 16December 20, 2024 12:24 PM

You really think Kate wants to sit across from Charles a few days before Christmas at a 'luncheon' and discuss what...their final days ? I think not.

by Anonymousreply 17December 20, 2024 12:49 PM

Andrew is getting ready to leave the UK.

He's tired of the bullshit.

FYI.

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by Anonymousreply 18December 20, 2024 12:50 PM

At least Princess Michael of KUNT attended the lunch.

I wonder if she wore her Blackamoor Brooch?

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by Anonymousreply 19December 20, 2024 1:06 PM

R10 is beyond completely fucking stupid.

by Anonymousreply 20December 20, 2024 1:14 PM

R3, pretty sure Charles doesn't want Andrew around in the first place.

by Anonymousreply 21December 20, 2024 1:52 PM

R10, I condole you on whatever head injury left you like that.

by Anonymousreply 22December 20, 2024 1:58 PM

Lol R17.

by Anonymousreply 23December 20, 2024 2:32 PM

Who really cares any more about these dull, hide-bound, over-spending TOFFS!?

by Anonymousreply 24December 20, 2024 2:37 PM

R15 thinks Henry VIII is still king. Aristocratic family? What the fuck?

by Anonymousreply 25December 20, 2024 2:39 PM

[quote] King Charles Will "Want to See" Archie and Lilibet Over Christmas and Has Already Sent Them "Traditional" Gifts

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet may live in California with their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but their grandfather hasn't forgotten them.

According to a former employee of The King, Charles will be eager to connect with his grandchildren this holiday season.

In an interview with The Sun's Fabulous magazine, Charles' former royal butler, Grant Harrold, said, "I'm willing to bet that there definitely will be some sort of [Zoom] communication on Christmas Day. There's no question." As for who Charles will be most excited to speak with via FaceTime, Harrold claimed, "I'm not talking so much about Harry and Meghan directly, but I have no doubt the King will want to see his grandkids [Lilibet and Archie] on Christmas Day."

It's also likely that King Charles will have organized to have presents delivered to Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie for Christmas. "The King will send gifts," Harrold told the outlet. "I guarantee you that something will be sent, and likewise, gifts will be sent to Grandpa or Grandmother [from the Sussexes]."

Harrold also suggested that The King might get the chance to watch Lilibet and Archie open any gifts he's sent them. "There will be a chance to see each other," Harrold explained. "I'd be surprised if they didn’t FaceTime so they could see the grandchildren opening the gifts he sent them."

Ultimately, the former royal butler is certain that Charles will make contact with Prince Harry's children during the holiday season. "There will definitely, without a doubt, be communication," Harrold said.

As for what Charles may have purchased for Lilibet and Archie, Harrold referenced The King's classic taste, saying, "When it comes to toys and The King—have you ever been to the Highgrove shop? It's all very traditional. The King is very traditional." Harrold continued, "I don't see him buying them an Xbox or something like that—probably too young anyway. It's going to be more traditional, you know, like a wooden farm set or something along those lines."

According to Charles' former butler, The King would, ideally, see his grandchildren in person at Christmas. "I think if [King Charles] had the choice, he'd definitely want everyone together," Harrold told the publication. "He's very much a family man." Harrold reflected on the holidays he spent at the Palace with William, Harry, and their father. "They were such nice times," he explained. "They were very close, and it all just went so nicely."

The former royal butler also alleged that King Charles will be hoping for a reconciliation following the royal rift. "I've said this a hundred times—part of him will be sad about what's taken place," Harrold claimed. "Christmas is seen as a time for families to heal rifts." He continued, "Even if they're not there in person, just talking on Zoom or something can be part of that healing process."

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by Anonymousreply 26December 21, 2024 3:12 AM

How refreshing! A bunch of Americans who know nothing about Britain and the British Royal Family pontificating about Britain and the British Royal Family.

Why do you care?

by Anonymousreply 27December 21, 2024 8:24 AM

We are living through an era of tribal generational hatred towards each other.

The British Royal Family going through this only proves it's a thing.

by Anonymousreply 28December 21, 2024 8:28 AM

There is no evidence whatever that the British Royal Family is experiencing "tribal generational hatred".

On the one side there are Harry and Meghan, and on the other side are all the currently living generations of Harry's family (and so would be the Queen and Philip if they were still alive). Even Charlotte can't stand them, as attested to by the flowergirl dress calamity and her ringing the bell on Meghan for taking forbidden photos while at dinner with the then Cambridges.

So I'd say the standoff is between two individuals and everybody else, and the cause has nothing to do with what generation they're from.

Leaving our Andrew (whose problem is again personal, not generational), everyone else in the Windsor group seems to get along pretty well as far as we can tell.

by Anonymousreply 29December 21, 2024 12:43 PM

I like the Beard it works well for him! Really balances out his face!

by Anonymousreply 30December 21, 2024 1:50 PM

Oops. "Leaving ouT Andrew..."

by Anonymousreply 31December 21, 2024 1:55 PM

[quote] Princess Beatrice Suddenly Changes Christmas Plans Due to Pregnancy

Princess Beatrice has changed her Christmas plans due to medical reasons.

A source confirmed to PEOPLE that Beatrice, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, will now be joining the royal family for the Christmas gathering at Sandringham — due to her pregnancy — instead of traveling to be with her in-laws in Italy for the holidays as originally scheduled.

Beatrice likely won’t participate in the walk to church, the source added.

Sandringham is the royal family’s traditional Christmas destination, with King Charles hosting the festivities. Beatrice’s daughter Sienna Elizabeth, 3, and stepson Christopher “Wolfie” Woolf, 8, will also reportedly attend the festivities, according to Hello! magazine.

News broke in October that Beatrice — who is granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II — was expecting another baby.

A statement from Buckingham Palace at the time read, "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three."

Beatrice’s uncle, King Charles, also shared his joy over the announcement. "His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news," the statement continued.

It is PEOPLE’s understanding that Beatrice’s younger sister, Princess Eugenie, 34, will not be in attendance at Sandringham this year, as she previously accepted an invitation to spend the holidays with in-laws.

And while most of the royal family will be in attendance at Sandringham for the holiday, Princess Beatrice’s parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, will be notably absent. The pair — who while no longer married, share a residence at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate — reportedly withdrew the initial acceptance of their invitation amid the public uproar over The Duke of York’s alleged dealings with a known Chinese spy.

Prince Andrew, 64, and Ferguson, 65, will likely spend the day at home out of the public eye.

The Independent reported that it was Ferguson who urged Prince Andrew to bow out of Sandringham Christmas amid the scandal, sacrificing her own invitation in the process.

“The decision for the pair to stay put at the Royal Lodge is thought to have been made easier by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s plans to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time,” the outlet reported.

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by Anonymousreply 32December 23, 2024 6:43 AM

Who's the gay guy with oriental kid next to Princess Beatrice?

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by Anonymousreply 33December 23, 2024 7:44 AM

Oh FFS it was a Dec 19 lunchy thing. The couple has 3 young children.

Christmas isn’t a month.

by Anonymousreply 34December 23, 2024 7:49 AM

[quote]Christmas isn’t a month.

Seriously? Where do you live?

by Anonymousreply 35December 23, 2024 8:15 AM

What about Anne?

by Anonymousreply 36December 23, 2024 8:59 AM

[quote] What about Anne?

Who?

by Anonymousreply 37December 23, 2024 11:52 AM

Charles looks like he's surrounded by strangers.

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by Anonymousreply 38December 23, 2024 12:21 PM

William looks likehe's s seething in anger/ with rage in OP's photo.

He looks mean

by Anonymousreply 39December 23, 2024 1:15 PM

I had best get the tiara I demanded. Or else.

by Anonymousreply 40December 23, 2024 1:54 PM

Kate and Charles both have terminal cancer. Quality time is important now.

by Anonymousreply 41December 23, 2024 2:11 PM

[quote] King Charles Is "Sad" Sarah Ferguson Canceled Sandringham Christmas Plans After "Many Years in Exile"

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson won't be traveling to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the Royal Family. And according to one royal expert, King Charles is likely feeling quite sad that the Duchess of York won't be in attendance.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed Ferguson's decision to withdraw from visiting Sandringham for Christmas in an interview with OK! (via GB News). "This will be a blow for Fergie," she explained. "She was so effusive last Christmas and was clearly delighted to be included in the family festivities after so many years in exile."

However, Ferguson has continually made it clear that she will stand by Prince Andrew, no matter what. So if the Duke of York is required to take a step back from official royal events, it seems that Ferguson will continue do the same. "But her loyalty has always been to Andrew and she will stick by his side... wherever they spend the day," Bond explained.

It's been reported that the Duke and Duchess of York are planning to spend Christmas at their home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Bond also noted that the monarch is likely to be sad that Ferguson can't attend his Christmas party at Sandringham. "I think The King has a soft spot for Fergie, especially after their shared cancer experience," the royal correspondent explained. "She always brings a spot of fun to proceedings." Bond continued, "So he will probably be a little sad that she will now stay away from Sandringham, to stand shoulder to shoulder with her ex."

Royal editor Rebecca English recently appeared on Mail+'s "Palace Confidential," where she sang Ferguson's praises, particularly following Andrew's scandals. "Sarah, the Duchess of York has literally saved Christmas for the Royal Family," English said. "If it hadn't have been for his ex-wife having a quiet word in his ear," then the holiday season could have been pretty disastrous."

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by Anonymousreply 42December 24, 2024 6:43 AM

I met Sarah in the US many years ago in my local Macy's (not NYC). She was there to promote line of British table wares. A large group of fans gathered, and she walked past, greeting and shaking hands. Because I purchased a large platter, I got a second chance to speak to her when she signed it.

I thought "Fergie" was pretty cool.

by Anonymousreply 43December 24, 2024 8:08 AM

R41, Charles, probably. But why do you think so with Catherine?

by Anonymousreply 44December 24, 2024 8:09 AM

R41 There is no evidence that Kate has terminal cancer.

by Anonymousreply 45December 24, 2024 8:16 AM

After reading the article at R42, I have to wonder why Andrew and Fergie never remarried.

by Anonymousreply 46December 24, 2024 9:50 AM

R1 - The should eliminate the monarchy and confiscate ALL of their I’ll gotten loot .

by Anonymousreply 47December 24, 2024 12:27 PM

So that Bezos, Musk, Thiel, and Putin (and assorted more low-key world billionaires) can acquire the Crown Jewels and the royal residences, r47? Yeah, ever so much better. I mean, they would have to be sold off, once and done, for any confiscation to be worthwhile.

by Anonymousreply 48December 24, 2024 12:37 PM

Merry Christmas everyone!

by Anonymousreply 49December 24, 2024 12:48 PM

Crazy Louis will finish them all off!

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by Anonymousreply 50December 24, 2024 2:51 PM
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