Royals

Kate, Wills and the royal brood arrive at the Queen’s pre-Christmas lunch

The grand arrivals begin...
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It’s finally here! The Queen’s annual pre-Christmas lunch has begun, and we’ve got some rather regal arrivals making their way into Buckingham Palace.

Leading the royal fleet on Wednesday, December 19 was Duchess Catherine and Prince William, who drove separately into Buckingham Palace with Prince George, six, accompanying his dad and Princess Charlotte, four and one-year-old Prince Louis with the Duchess. The family of five, however, left the lunch together.

But they certainly weren’t the only ones who captured our attention as they entered the festive event.

The Cambridge family left lunch together, despite arriving separately.

(Image: Getty Images)

Each year, the Queen hosts a pre-Christmas lunch with her extended family.

And while the event itself is kept under wraps, with no cameras allowed, we’re lucky enough to catch a quick glimpse of the royals as they enter by car.

Dressed in a gorgeous red tartan number by one of her favourite designers Emilia Wickstead, Kate Middleton looked as stunning and festive as ever as she rode shotgun with husband Wills.

In a move that’s also sent royal watchers revelling in glee, we also caught a peek of their three young children, George, six, Charlotte, four, and Louis, one. And Louis was looking all grown up in his Christmas jumper!

Prince Louis is growing up fast.

(Image: Getty Images)

And in his little Christmas jumper too!

(Image: Getty Images)

All three Cambridge children rode in the back seat on their way home.

(Image: Getty Images)

This is Prince Louis’ first pre-Christmas lunch with the Queen. Last year, the young Prince was barely a year old, so he ended up staying back home with the baby sitter.

Also in attendance at the Queen’s regal event were the usual suspects – Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Many wondered if Prince Andrew would make an appearance at this year’s event, but the Queen’s second eldest son was also snapped entering the palace.

The Tindall family, including daughter Mia, were also in attendance.

(Image: Getty Images)

Princess Eugenie was spotted behind the wheel with her husband Jack Brooksbank beside her.

(Image: Getty Images)

Prince Charles was spotted riding in the back seat.

(Image: Getty Images)

Princess Beatrice looked elegant in blue, but was without fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

(Image: Getty Images)

Not present this year are Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan.

The pair have stayed away from the public eye of late, choosing to take some much needed time off with their young son Archie, who is seven months old.

It is understood Harry and Meghan will travel to the United States to spend Christmas with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland, who lives in LA.

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Other royals in attendance at the Queen’s Christmas lunch included Prince Edward and Countess Sophie of Wessex, along with their two children Lady Louise and James Viscount Severn.

Though they’re not as high profile royals, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s son Lord Frederick Windsor arrived with wife Sophie Winkleman.

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