The Cambridges Arrive for The Queen's Pre-Christmas Luncheon
As an avid royal watcher, I have come to appreciate the annual traditions upheld by the royals, not only in an official capacity, but in events where they come together as a family. Today, the Queen's annual pre-Christmas luncheon was held, a staple on the calendar heralding Christmas is merely days away.
The Cambridges were spotted departing Kensington Palace.
The Duchess was all smiles upon arrival.
The Duchess was all smiles upon arrival.
A great shot of Kate and Charlotte.
The Queen hosts the fifty-strong luncheon every year for the entire extended family, many of whom are spending Christmas with their own children and grandchildren rather than joining the annual gathering at Sandringham. Her Majesty and Prince Philip are expected to make the journey to the Norfolk estate within the next couple of days, where they will settle in before welcoming their children, grandchildren and other relatives on Christmas Eve.
And Prince George in blue.
The Cambridges are no doubt making last minute preparations for the festivities before decamping to their country pile Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate. This year, they are celebrating Christmas with the Royal family. Thanks to the close proximity of Anmer, it means they can come and go over the festive period. It has been widely reported Harry and Meghan will stay at Anmer over Christmas too.
They were accompanied by Nanny Maria Teresa.
The Duchess has attended the event every year since she and William became engaged in 2010. 2017 marks her eighth pre-Christmas luncheon. This year, there was a new addition, Prince Harry's fianc�e Meghan Markle. You can read more about Meghan's appearance on my other blog.
The Queen hosts the fifty-strong luncheon every year for the entire extended family, many of whom are spending Christmas with their own children and grandchildren rather than joining the annual gathering at Sandringham. Her Majesty and Prince Philip are expected to make the journey to the Norfolk estate within the next couple of days, where they will settle in before welcoming their children, grandchildren and other relatives on Christmas Eve.
A closer look at Princess Charlotte wearing one of her signature bows :)
And Prince George in blue.
The Cambridges are no doubt making last minute preparations for the festivities before decamping to their country pile Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate. This year, they are celebrating Christmas with the Royal family. Thanks to the close proximity of Anmer, it means they can come and go over the festive period. It has been widely reported Harry and Meghan will stay at Anmer over Christmas too.
They were accompanied by Nanny Maria Teresa.
The Duchess has attended the event every year since she and William became engaged in 2010. 2017 marks her eighth pre-Christmas luncheon. This year, there was a new addition, Prince Harry's fianc�e Meghan Markle. You can read more about Meghan's appearance on my other blog.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Camilla in festive green.
Lady Helen Taylor and her family.
A wave from Princess Alexandra.
Princess Eugenie.
Buckingham Palace was certainly dressed for the occasion with Nordmann Fir trees from Windsor Great Park presented in all their splendor.
Camilla in festive green.
Lady Helen Taylor and her family.
A wave from Princess Alexandra.
Princess Eugenie.
Buckingham Palace was certainly dressed for the occasion with Nordmann Fir trees from Windsor Great Park presented in all their splendor.
I always look forward to seeing images of the Palace decorated in all its glory.
When we hear of George and Charlotte, we instantly think of William and Kate's little prince and princess, but did you know the Christmas tree tradition was introduced to Britain by Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III?
Christmas has arrived at Buckingham Palace! ??� The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 12, 2017
Did you know that the Christmas Tree was introduced to Britain in the 18th Century by Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III? pic.twitter.com/PB5wjfuR1O
Chefs in the royal kitchens have been busy preparing traditional food and seasonal treats for the luncheon. The Palace shared a sneak peek behind the scenes.
More from the Royal Family website: "'Give yourself plenty of time,' says Royal Pastry chef Kathryn Cuthbertson. It's her number one tip to anyone making mince pies this Christmas. 'Pastry is not something that likes to be rushed,' agrees Chef de Partie, Victoria Scupham, who Kathryn hired six years ago to work alongside her. They also recommend 'having cold hands' when working with pastry, which will help keep it at the right consistency. Together they now have over 17 years experience inside the Royal Kitchens and will create over 1200 mince pies for each of the festive receptions held at the Palaces around Christmas time. 'It's probably thousands each,' laughs Kathryn, when asked for the exact calculation, 'but as long as you are organised, it's doable.'" You can view the recipe here.
Take a look at the chocolate roulade...
I imagine the Gingerbread men with white icing would be a big hit with George, Charlotte and the other children present.
William and Kate leaving the luncheon.
It ended at around 3 p.m. It looks like just in the nick of time for Charlotte to take a nap :)
There's a couple of additional photos of the children available on the Mail Online.
We have a rather good look at what Kate wore for the luncheon. It appears the Duchess selected a black cape and a burgundy dress.
Great Replikate suggests Kate wore the ZARA Long Cloth Cape. The cape features a round neckline, side vents, back pleat and lined button fastening at the neck.
Kate also wore a faux fur collar.
Kate M Cambridge believes it is the Jigsaw Women's Black Faux Fur Tippet. Kate worked for the company as an accessories buyer in 2007. Note, the velvet ribbon closure looks identical.
Several readers suggest Kate may have worn her GOAT Eloise dress underneath. It's a very good guess.
The Duchess wore a pair of statement earrings she's had in her collection since her pre-engagement days (with thanks to Sara).
Kate also chose them for the 2014 Christmas lunch.
Finally, The Royal Variety Performance aired last night. A young cast member from Annie asked Prince William to show off his best gallop, much to the delight of host Miranda Hart. Take a look at the video below and I suspect you'll agree William was the star of the show leaving the audience (and Kate) in stitches. Well done William for being such a good sport, he made the night :)
It ended at around 3 p.m. It looks like just in the nick of time for Charlotte to take a nap :)
There's a couple of additional photos of the children available on the Mail Online.
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We have a rather good look at what Kate wore for the luncheon. It appears the Duchess selected a black cape and a burgundy dress.
Great Replikate suggests Kate wore the ZARA Long Cloth Cape. The cape features a round neckline, side vents, back pleat and lined button fastening at the neck.
Kate also wore a faux fur collar.
Kate M Cambridge believes it is the Jigsaw Women's Black Faux Fur Tippet. Kate worked for the company as an accessories buyer in 2007. Note, the velvet ribbon closure looks identical.
Several readers suggest Kate may have worn her GOAT Eloise dress underneath. It's a very good guess.
The Duchess wore a pair of statement earrings she's had in her collection since her pre-engagement days (with thanks to Sara).
Kate also chose them for the 2014 Christmas lunch.
Finally, The Royal Variety Performance aired last night. A young cast member from Annie asked Prince William to show off his best gallop, much to the delight of host Miranda Hart. Take a look at the video below and I suspect you'll agree William was the star of the show leaving the audience (and Kate) in stitches. Well done William for being such a good sport, he made the night :)
William has made my day ?? pic.twitter.com/wa6d8Yhmim� ??? (@katemiddlephoto) December 20, 2017
We'll see William and Kate on Christmas morning for the annual walk to Church.
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