Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Absence Sparks Reactions at Royal Christmas Lunch

The traditional family Christmas lunch hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle brought together almost all members of the royal family on Wednesday. Attendees included King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Eugenie, Prince Andrew, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise, Peter Phillips with his daughters Savannah and Isla, among others.

Photographs captured arrivals and departures, featuring various members of the royal family and close associates, such as Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lady Sarah Chatto (Princess Margaret’s daughter), and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (married to Princess Beatrice).

Notably absent from the pictures were Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, who reside in Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. While the Prince and Princess of Wales are regular attendees at this holiday event, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet were reportedly not invited this year.

Fans have reacted to William and Kate’s absence, with some speculating on reasons behind it, suggesting that the couple might have chosen to skip the event to avoid making Prince Harry feel isolated. The festive feast marked a significant gathering of dozens of royals, reviving the traditional Christmas lunch after cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.