The Prince and Princess of Wales will not be attending the royal family’s traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, it is understood.
A royal source said William and Kate are already in Norfolk, as had been planned, and are looking forward to spending time with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham over Christmas.
The Buckingham Palace lunch is a private event for senior royals and their wider family who will not be attending Christmas celebrations at the King’s Norfolk home.
Earlier this week, the Duke of York pulled out of the lunch as he continues to be dogged by his links to an alleged Chinese spy.
Andrew decided not to attend the gathering after speaking to his ex-wife and close friend Sarah, Duchess of York, according to a source.
The King’s brother had already withdrawn from joining senior royals at Sandringham for the festive period.
