Queen Elizabeth‘sChristmas lunchwas missing two key members this year.
Members of the royal family headed to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for their annual holiday gathering in London (before the 93-year-old monarch leaves heads to her Sandringham estate, where she traditionally spends Christmas), butMeghan MarkleandPrince Harrywere notably absent. The royal couple and their 7-month-old son Archie are currently on a six-week break from royal duties and reportedly traveling abroad.
Meghan and Harry revealed they wouldtake time offtowards the end of the year amid concerns that theintense scrutinythey’ve faced has been tough on the couple.
“The duke and duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time,” a royal source previously confirmed to PEOPLE.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Meghan first attended the Queen’s Christmas lunch in 2017 as Harry’s fiancée, and the couplemade another appearance last yearwhile they were expecting Archie. The mom-to-be was photographed driving into the luncheon wearing a black top with a high neckline, while her husband sported a suit as he took the drivers’ seat.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Stephen Pond/Getty
Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, previously announced they are alsoskipping the annual holiday festivities at Sandringhamnext week. Meghan made her Christmas debut with the royal family in 2017 after the couple’s engagement was announced, and again in 2018 after they were married.
Prince William and Prince George.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
While Meghan and Harry missed the festive celebration at the palace, plenty of royals were in attendance.
Prince Williamwas spotted arriving to the event withPrince George, 6, beside him in the front seat.Kate Middleton, who wore a festive red plaid ensemble, shared a smile as she arrived in a separate car with daughterPrincess Charlotte, 4, and 1-year-old sonPrince Louisin the backseat.
A source tells PEOPLE that bothGeorge and Charlotte are set to make their Christmas Day debutthis year alongside parentsPrince Williamand Kate — but that things could always change.Prince Louis, 1, made his big debut at Trooping the Colour this year, but he’s likely too young to join his parents and siblings on Christmas.
Kate Middleton arrives at Queen’s Christmas lunch.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
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Other royal family members in attendance at the bash includePrince Charlesand Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne and Mike and Zara Tindall. Prince Andrew, in one of his first public appearances since stepping back from royal duties following the backlash of his interview regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, was alsospotted arriving at Buckingham Palace.
source: people.com
