Kate Middleton and Prince William have confirmed their decision to join King Charles and the extended royal family at Sandringham for Christmas, a move that reportedly delighted the monarch amid a challenging year.
According to The Mirror, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will spend the holiday season with the King. The decision comes shortly after reports that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan to remain in the U.S. for Thanksgiving and Christmas with their children, Archie and Lilibet, disappointing King Charles.
Royal insiders shared that King Charles is thrilled about William and Kate’s plans, which signal unity after a turbulent year for the family. “The King is delighted to have William and Kate and their children confirmed for Christmas,” a source revealed.
“He’s already making plans to celebrate with them and the extended family after such a difficult year.” King Charles, who returned to Sandringham on Wednesday, is reportedly in high spirits as he prepares for the festivities. “The King is embracing the Christmas period already and really getting into the spirit,” the insider said.
“Staff who have seen him this week remarked how happy and healthy he was looking.” Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to stay in California for the holidays has reportedly left King Charles longing to reunite with his California-based grandchildren. Despite the apparent disappointment, the monarch remains hopeful about reconnecting with Archie and Lilibet in the future.
The contrast between William and Kate’s traditional plans and Meghan and Harry’s U.S.-based celebrations underscores the evolving dynamics within the royal family. As King Charles focuses on unity and celebration at Sandringham, the spotlight remains on how these differing approaches to family gatherings reflect the broader challenges the monarchy has faced this year.