Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Princess Kate and other members of the Royal Family are set to gather in two weeks’ time at Sandringham for the annual Christmas Day celebrations.
The big day, hosted by the King and Queen Camilla, comes after a year of turbulent times for the family, especially the monarch, 76, and Princess Kate, 42, who were both diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
While the Princess of Wales has since finished her chemotherapy treatment, and the King is continuing to receive treatment for his condition while carrying out royal engagements, one royal expert says the Christmas celebrations this year are set to be “special” for the family.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told Express.co.uk: “This has been a ‘brutal’ year for the royal family, as Prince William has said.
“He has revealed there will be 45 at lunch for Christmas at Sandringham, and they will be especially supportive of the King and Princess of Wales, who have been seriously ill and Queen Camilla, who has had pneumonia.
“They will get the sense of togetherness and solidarity, which is unique to Christmas, from having those with them who love them and wish them well.”
Mr Fitzwilliams also said that the festive season would be extra special for Queen Camilla after it was reported she had invited her son Tom Parker Bowles to join the celebrations.
This was revealed by Tom, who previously said he had never spent Christmas at Sandringham with his mother, despite the fact that she is now Queen.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “It will be a delight for the Queen to have her son Tom and other close family with her on this special occasion.
“It is indeed a very special occasion and the most high-profile royal Christmas in the world. Those included will feel very special indeed.”
While Christmas Day will be very special for the family, with the royals attending a church service and sharing a lovely Christmas lunch soon after, Christmas Eve is also likely to be one of the main parts of the festive season.
This is because the royals famously exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, a tradition which nods to the family’s German heritage.
This tradition was confirmed by the King’s niece, Zara Tindall, who confirmed that a special dinner is held on Christmas Eve for the family.