Royals

Royal family join The Queen for lunch after her big announcement

While the royals may be enjoying their annual Christmas lunch at the palace, the family will have another reason to raise their glasses, after the Queen announced she will take a step back in 2017.
Queen Elizabeth

The Queen will begin to share her responsibilities with many of her family members, especially the heir to the throne, her son Prince Charles.

In light of her 90th birthday this April, Buckingham Palace have released a statement, advising that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch will step down as patron from a number of national organisations in the coming months.

“Her Majesty will continue to serve as Patron to hundreds of charities and institutions but will now share this work with her family,” the statement said.

Her husband Prince Philip also resigned from a number of patronages when he turned 90 in 2011.

She will begin to share her responsibilities with many of her family members, especially the heir to the throne, her son Prince Charles.

While Queen Elizabeth will continue as the head of state, it doesn’t seem like she’s slowing down too much, with the Palace’s website advising she would remain patron of more than 600 organisations.

Following the big announcement, the 90-year-old would have had more reason to celebrate during her annual pre-Christmas party at Buckingham Palace.

The golden trio with Prince George [pictured] and Princess Charlotte, seated on her mum’s other side.

Sweet Georgie’s signature cheeks were out in full effect.

Prince William, looking smart with his glasses, took the wheel of the Range Rover, while younger brother Prince Harry looked dapper in a black suit and tie, and sat shotgun.

Duchess Catherine opted for a stunning magenta look and sat between her two cherubs, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The golden trio joined over 50 royal family members for lunch at the palace — including Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Zara and Mike Tindall.

Nanny Maria Borrallo was there to help look after George and Charlotte.

Duchess Camilla smiled for the cameras, as she sat beside her husband.

Pregnant Zara sat shotgun as her hubby Mike Tindall drove his girls… You can just see the top of Mia’s head behind her mummy. Also attending was Lady Amelia Windsor.

With George and Charlotte joined their cousin Mia Tindall, we’re sure the royal rascals will have no problem running amok in Buckingham Palace.

The Cambridges visit follows Wills, Kate and Harry’s joint appearance a The Mix charity’s Christmas party.

It was there that Prince William confirmed our suspicions about how cheeky Prince George really is.

The 34-year-old was chatting to KISS FM DJ AJ King, who shared, “I had a really nice chat with Prince William who told me that this was their last week at work, as it were, before Christmas.”

“He said they were all really excited about it and that George is already opening his presents. He thought it was quite funny. That’s kids for you, even the ones that are princes!”

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