Kate Middleton and Prince William joined by their children attended the Royal Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. The event took place on December 16, 2025, and marked their return after missing the gathering last year. The royal family traditionally gathers for this festive occasion, a practice inherited from Queen Elizabeth’s reign that King Charles continues. While the lunch is usually held at Buckingham Palace, previous years have seen the event hosted at Windsor Castle as well.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, arrived at the palace in separate cars. Prince William was seen driving with Kate in the passenger seat while the children and their nanny were in the backseat. The family nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, has been a constant presence since Prince George was a baby. Both Kate and Charlotte wore festive hair bows and red outfits, adding a touch of Christmas spirit to their attire.
In 2024, the Cambridge family missed the Christmas lunch as they were in Norfolk, away from London where the event normally takes place. However, they did join the royal family for the annual Christmas walk to church later that week. Princess Kate also shared in January that she had been in remission after battling cancer the previous year. This year, the family made sure to attend the festive gathering at Buckingham Palace, reuniting with other members of the royal family for the joyous occasion.
In addition to the Cambridge family, other royals present at the Christmas lunch included Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The sisters, who also missed Princess Kate’s Christmas carol service, expressed regret for their absence on social media. Notably, Prince Andrew, the former Prince, was captured horseback riding in Windsor Park on the same day. Despite recent controversies, he attended his granddaughter’s private christening along with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, earlier in the week.
The royal family luncheon is a private affair, with no photos released from inside the event. It is a longstanding tradition within the royal family, with King Charles maintaining many customs established during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The lunch serves as a precursor to the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham House in Norfolk, where the family gathers for the rest of the holiday season. While the location may vary, the essence of family togetherness and festive cheer remains constant.
Among the attendees spotted heading to the lunch were Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as other members of the extended royal family. The luncheon is a time for relatives to come together, enjoy a meal, and celebrate the holiday season before dispersing to their respective Christmas destinations. The event reflects the unity and traditions upheld by the royal family under King Charles’ leadership.