King Charles: Everyone who attended his Christmas lunch, and the royals that missed out

Traditionally, the monarch holds a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace for senior members of the Firm, and their wider family, who will not be able to attend the official Christmas dinner at Sandringham. The tradition had been launched by the King's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This year's event has included some lesser-known senior and junior members of the Royal Family. Here is everyone who was in attendance at this year's Christmas lunch, hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace, as well as those who missed this year's event.

These royals attended King Charles' Christmas lunch

On Tuesday 17 December, King Charles hosted his annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. The monarch was seen arriving at the event, riding in a car alongside his private secretary, who happens to be Prince Harry's nemesis, Sir Clive Alderton. Queen Camilla arrived in a separate car, wearing a pearly necklace. The King's youngest brother, Prince Edward, was also pictured arriving at the Palace alongside his wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

To complete the family picture, King Charles' only sister, Princess Anne, attended the event with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Princess Margaret's granddaughter, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, was also in attendance, wearing a festive colourful coat. The late Princess' grandson, Samuel Chatto, was seen arriving in a car, driving by himself, to the Palace.

While Prince Andrew was missing from this year's event, his two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were present for the Christmas lunch, alongside their respective husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, as well as their children. It's the first time Princess Beatrice's daughter Sienna has been seen in public as well.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin, 87-year-old Princess Alexandra, who has long retired from public engagements, was also seen arriving at the Palace, leaving royal fans delighted.

The royals who missed the event

Royal observers were quick to notice Prince William and Kate Middleton missed this year's pre-Christmas lunch. The Palace denied any rumour of tension in the family, according to Sky News. Indeed, a royal source claims the couple and their three children are already in Norfolk, as had been planned way ahead. They are reportedly looking forward to spending Christmas Day with the monarch and the rest of the family.

Prince Andrew was also missing from the family lunch, as he reportedly chose not to attend after consulting with his ex-wife and close friend Sarah Ferguson. This allegedly has to do with the Chinese spy affair, which is bringing the Prince to the limelight once again. Prince Andrew had reportedly already decided to also step back from the King's Christmas dinner at Sandringham.

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Sources used:

Sky News: William and Kate miss Royal Family's traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace

People: Prince Andrew Won't Go to King Charles' Pre-Christmas Lunch amid Fallout Around Chinese 'Spy' Scandal

Town & Country: Here's Every Single Royal We Spotted Arriving at Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace

Town & Country: Princess Beatrice's Three-Year-Old Daughter Makes Her Very First Appearance with the Royal Family

Express: Rarely seen young royal makes fans go wild as he steps out to support King Charles

Express: Lesser-known royal sparks fan frenzy for making just her second appearance of the year