However, this year the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis did not attend. They are believed to be in Norfolk, preparing to spend Christmas at Sandringham. The Royal Christmas Lunch, hosted by King Charles III, has been a long-standing event for decades. It allows the extended family to gather before making their own holiday plans. With such a large group, many tables have been needed in the past, with up to seven tables for around 70 guests. A unique feature of the event is that the younger royals dine separately in a designated room, as per tradition.

The children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, eat alongside other royal children, including Mia, Lena and Lucas, who are children of Mike and Zara Tindall. This arrangement not only manages the logistics of a large gathering, but also allows the younger generation to bond and enjoy a comfortable meal together. In 2019, Mike Tindall shared his experience on a rugby podcast, recalling sitting at a table with Prince Charles at lunch. He noted that there were seven tables, indicating the size of the gathering, and mentioned that the children had their own dining areas.

This arrangement has become a valued aspect of the celebration, demonstrating how the royal family handles the challenges of a major event. While lunch at Buckingham Palace is important, the Prince and Princess of Wales chose to skip it this year. A palace insider revealed that they had gone to Norfolk to prepare for Christmas at Sandringham, in keeping with the tradition of spending the festive period there, a place they hold dear. Their absence from the lunch has raised questions.

While no official reason was given, their decision to spend time in Norfolk may reflect a desire for a quieter, more intimate celebration for their children, missing out on the palace's dedicated children's dining room, which is a highlight for many of the younger attendees. Arranging separate children's dinners at Buckingham Palace has always been a practical approach to managing the guest list. It allows the younger royals to enjoy a meal together in a less formal setting, fostering friendships between cousins. While details of the children's room remain confidential, it is known to be a fun and festive place designed specifically for them.

For the Prince and Princess of Wales, Norfolk is particularly meaningful. It is a retreat where they can escape public scrutiny and enjoy family time. Their decision to skip lunch at Buckingham Palace and arrive early at Sandringham reflects their focus on their immediate family during the festive season. When the royal family gathers at Sandringham, attention shifts to the shared traditions and celebrations that mark the holidays. The fact that the Welsh family prioritises time in Norfolk emphasises that, even when they are on royal duty, family remains their top priority.