Festive Gathering Marks Start of Royal Holiday Season Amid Key Absences
King Charles kicked off the royal holiday season by hosting his annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, greeting extended family members in the festive spirit.
The 76-year-old monarch, dressed in a sharp suit and blue tie, arrived in the State Bentley alongside his private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton. Charles waved cheerfully to tourists gathered outside the Palace gates, setting a welcoming tone for the day.
However, this year’s gathering saw some notable absences. The Prince and Princess of Wales were missing from the table, as they opted to spend time in Norfolk ahead of their traditional Sandringham Christmas celebration. Their absence comes as no surprise, given their commitment to family traditions in Norfolk during the holiday season.
Another conspicuous no-show was Prince Andrew, who reportedly withdrew from the lunch amid ongoing scrutiny over his alleged connections to a Chinese spy. Although both Andrew and Sarah Ferguson had been invited, it’s believed that Fergie advised the Duke of York to skip the event to avoid adding to the family’s public challenges.
Despite these absences, King Charles appeared undeterred, hosting the festive lunch with a focus on unity and celebration. The annual gathering serves as a warm-up to the main Sandringham festivities, continuing a cherished royal tradition while navigating the unique complexities of this year.
