Royals

Are Prince William and Duchess Catherine spending Christmas with the Middletons this year?

The younger brother of the Duchess of Cambridge has hinted at a big family Christmas this year.
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His sisters tend to dominate the spotlight, but James Middleton has dropped a hint that this Christmas will be a family affair at the Middleton household as he reveals he can’t wait to spend the festive season with his whole family this year.

“I welcome people into our family home. I want it to feel like it’s their home,” the younger brother of Duchess Catherine and Pippa Matthews said in a new interview on German TV channel, Leute Heute.

Does this mean Duchess Catherine, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all be heading to Berkshire this year?

James Middleton (far left) is looking forward to a big family Christmas this year.(Image: Getty Images)

2018 has been a remarkable year for proud grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton. Not only was William and Catherine’s youngest child, Prince Louis born in April, but in October, Pippa and husband James Matthews welcomed their son Arthur into the world as well.

So what can be expected at a Middleton family Christmas? Well it’s traditional for sure.

“There’ll be turkey, champagne and some wine…For me it’s all about family… It’s one where we can all regroup,” James said.

Traditionally, the royal family celebrate Christmas at the Queen’s Norfolk residence Sandringham in England.

And while the royal festivities are a more formal affair, Christmas at the Middleton household a much more relaxed.

Pippa has previously spoken about their festive celebrations, describing it as “magical” and revealing that her dad always rocks a fancy dress outfit, with one of his favourites being an inflatable sumo wrestler!

READ MORE: Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s favourite Christmas desserts.

In 2016, the Cambridge clan celebrated Christmas with a morning trip to chuch in Duchess Catherine’s hometown. (Image: Getty Images)

Should William and Catherine forego the Sandringham celebrations, this will be the third time since their 2011 wedding that they’ve decided to opt out of the Queen’s celebrations and spend time with the Middleton side.

Children are also not allowed to come to the royal church service on Christmas morning, so if the Cambridges head to Duchess Catherine’s hometown of Bucklebury, we could get a glimpse of Prince Louis celebrating his first Christmas as they make the morning trip to St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire.

Last year, we were blessed with a gorgeous Christmas card from the Cambridge family. And while the little Prince wasn’t born yet, could the matching blue outfits have been a subtle hint to the then-unborn royal baby’s gender?

Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent Christmas with the royals along with Prince Harry and his then-fiance, Duchess Meghan. (Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, who are expecting their first child next year, will most likely be joining in the festivities at Sandrigham. And though it is a traditional affair, the Queen has reportedly broken with royal protocol with a warm and welcoming gesture.

Duchess Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland has reportedly been invited by The Queen to spend Christmas with her daughter and the royal family.

While traditionally, parents in-laws aren’t invited, Doria is said to have been asked to attend as a “mark of respect” by Her Majesty towards Meghan.

This won’t be Meghan’s first royal Christmas either- the now Duchess of Sussex was engaged to Prince Harry at Christmas last year. Meghan’s invitation marked a break in tradition for the royals, making her the first “non-spouse” to attend the family gathering.

WATCH: Meghan Markle spends Christmas with the royal family in 2017.

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