The royals who've stepped in to save the Queen from a lonely Christmas revealed
The Queen’s plans might have changed dramatically, but now two royals are set to visit on Christmas Day as she marks the first festivities since Prince Philip’s death.
- The Queen has cancelled Christmas at Sandringham, leading to speculation about which of her royal relatives could visit her at Windsor Castle.
- Now reports have suggested that at least one of her children will be spending Christmas Day with Her Majesty, saving her from a potentially lonely Christmas.
- This royal news comes as Prince George, Charlotte and Louis get to open their Christmas presents BEFORE their cousins due to special royal privilege.
The Queen is currently preparing to mark her first Christmas since the loss of her beloved husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, and it seems she will now have at least one senior member of The Firm with her for the big day itself. Just days ago the Queen cancelled Christmas at Sandringham and it was announced she would be celebrating at Windsor Castle instead, visited by her wider family during the festive period. Meanwhile, reports have since emerged claiming that Her Majesty’s son-in-law Sir Timothy Laurence, the husband of Princess Anne, has tested positive for Covid-19.
In light of this and despite the poignant undertone of this particular festive season without the Duke of Edinburgh, Anne sadly isn't expected to visit her mother on Christmas Day. However, it seems the Queen is set to be joined by another of her children for the big day, meaning she won’t be experiencing a truly quiet Christmas after all.
According to The Telegraph, a Clarence House spokesperson has revealed that Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will be spending Christmas Day with the Queen. Last year the couple are believed to have celebrated at their Gloucestershire countryside home, Highgrove House, whilst the Queen and Philip remained at their Berkshire home.
At the moment the Prince of Wales, who is first in line to the throne, and Duchess Camilla are the only royals to be confirmed as visiting the monarch over the Christmas period. However, especially given the sad nature of this festive season, it’s thought that Charles’ younger brother Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn might also make the trip to Windsor.
The family live reasonably nearby and earlier this year, the Queen shared adorable old footage of Philip playing with young Edward and Anne prior ahead of a new Prince Philip BBC documentary. As well as Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla and the Wessexes, it’s thought possible that Prince William and Kate Middleton and their three children could see the Queen too.
In recent years, they have regularly joined the Queen and other royals at Sandringham for the festive season. For her first Christmas there in 2011, Kate even gave a “frugal” gift to Her Majesty that reportedly helped build her incredible bond with her grandmother-in-law.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Since then, the Cambridges have welcomed their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. All are understood to have spent Christmas in Norfolk with the royals before, though Louis has not yet made his Christmas Day walk to church debut.
It’s not known when they and the Queen’s great-grandchildren, last saw Her Majesty in person. However, if they are amongst those visiting her at Windsor Castle like Charles and Camilla, the Queen would no doubt be delighted to spend time with more of her loving family this Christmas.
Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.
-
How to play with Barbie dolls: 6 ways to use the iconic doll as a positive role model at home
If you have a little one who loves to play with Barbie, there are lots of positive ways in which you can encourage them to play in a way that helps their development and self-esteem. We’ll show you how.
By Joanne Lewsley Published
-
Think you're raising a mini-me? It's actually unlikely your child will inherit your personality and could have a temperament closer to a 'random stranger', according to new study
If you often hear the phrase 'like mother like daughter,' or 'like father like son,' research suggests you're actually only slightly more likely to share familial traits than with strangers.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Prince William uses Princess Charlotte’s favourite ‘dad joke’ to get a laugh - and it’s got the seal of approval from this popular comedian
It's a childhood classic!
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton is enjoying ‘precious’ family time with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis as she recovers from ‘preventative’ cancer treatment
As the Princess of Wales takes time away from royal duties following her diagnosis, her kids are making sure to offer lots of love and support
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are huge fans of this popular tinned food - and it’s not what you’d expect from the royals
Royal meal times are more similar to the average family's than you might imagine
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George is ‘a chip off the old block’ says body language expert as she highlights the similarities between him and his dad Prince William
The father/son duo share an incredibly close bond
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton planning to renovate family home as it only ‘just about fits the entire family’
The Waleses Windsor home Adelaide Cottage is about to get a new look
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William treated Prince George to the ultimate father/son bonding night - and everyone is saying the same thing about the youngster
The father and son both have a love for football, bonding over the shared interest
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The unexpected way King Charles made sure his son Prince William met Kate Middleton - and he could never have guessed how important the ‘fatherly’ advice would be
Without some stern advice from his father, Prince William may never have met his future wife
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The sweet way Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are helping Kate Middleton through her recovery - and it proves they have inherited this important trait from their mum
The Wales children are keen to help their mum throughout her health struggles - and they're doing so in a way they've learnt from her
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published