Sophia Michaels
The festive pre-Christmas lunch hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace seems to signal a shift within the royal family. This tradition, originally started by Queen Elizabeth II, aimed to ensure that extended family members felt included despite not being at Christmas Day lunch. However, the 2024 gathering saw significantly fewer attendees, raising concerns about a possible decline in family unity.
Notably absent were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are currently establishing their lives in California, as well as Prince Andrew, who remains embroiled in various controversies. In an unexpected turn, William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also chose not to attend, which some insiders suggest might be a sign of their growing reluctance to adhere to family traditions.
A former courtier remarked to the Daily Beast that the absence of William and Kate can be seen as a declaration of their confidence in challenging established traditions that they find tiresome. Nevertheless, their decision to skip the lunch could simply indicate a desire to kick off their holiday season in a more relaxed manner after a stressful year.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have their own holiday plans
During the holiday season, while many seek quality time with loved ones, the royal family’s schedule can be quite demanding. After facing numerous challenges in 2024, William and Kate seem eager to embark on a more tranquil holiday experience. With ongoing tensions between Prince William and Queen Camilla’s son, their absence from the luncheon suggests a desire for a more low-key approach.
Instead of the official lunch, the couple opted to retreat to Norfolk, where they will gather with close family as they prepare for Christmas. According to the Daily Beast, they plan to skip some traditional events, although it appears William won’t escape the annual pheasant hunt. Their choice may seem controversial, but they aim to re-establish a balance between royal duties and personal time during the holiday period.
