How Many Christmas Celebrations Will William And Kate's Children Have?
Christmas of 2020 was a difficult time for much of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic not only left thousands of families grieving loved ones, but travel restrictions and business closings also limited the scope of celebrations. Not even the British royals were immune: Instead of hosting the traditional family gathering at their Sandringham country estate, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent the holiday alone at Windsor Castle (via People).
Local lockdowns also prevented Prince William and Kate Middleton from visiting her parents, so the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a quiet holiday at their country home at Anmer Hall, via the Observer. Granted, Christmas in a 10-bedroom mansion with a swimming pool, tennis court, and acres of beautiful grounds (per The Week) isn't exactly a dismal Dickensian setting. Still, being apart from beloved family members is a tough situation even for the blue-blood set.
What a difference a year makes. With vaccines widely available to most age groups and travel restrictions lifting in many areas, many are looking forward to a Christmas "just like the ones we used to know," as the song goes. That includes the Cambridges, who reportedly are planning a busy holiday season that includes no fewer than three celebrations with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The festivities include visits to both sides of the family: the Middletons in Berkshire, England, and the queen and other royals at her Sandringham country estate in Scotland.
William and Kate may be asked to take on an important holiday job
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe has speculated that Prince William and his family are likely to spend Christmas morning on their own at Anmer, perhaps opening presents before moving on to the bigger family celebration at Sandringham (via the Daily Mail). "But something we know for sure about William and Kate is that they want their children to feel normal and so they certainly won't be lavishing them with expensive gifts, that's for certain," Larcombe said. "They won't let them be spoiled."
Then, for New Year's, it's likely the family will go visit Kate Middleton's parents and sister Pippa. Larcombe predicts the Middletons will be a little more generous than usual with the grandkids this year, since they missed out last year.
It's also possible that William and Kate could be called in to Scotland earlier than expected. According to Express, depending on the queen's health, she may need help planning the Sandringham festivities, and the Cambridges could be the ones tapped for the job. After all, a couple who raises three children while carrying on royal engagements and running charities must have top-notch organizational skills. Plus, William is the future king of England, so it makes sense to let him practice for the day when he'll be the one hosting the royal family's holiday gatherings.