THEPrince Louis made himself noticed as soon as he arrived by car at Buckingham Palace. Sitting in the back seat, next to his brother George and sister Charlotte, with dad William driving and mum Kate at his sidethe little one, who will turn 8 next April, observed the waiting photographers, making some bored faces. And then he joined the 70 royal relatives invited by their grandfather, King Charles III, to the usual pre-Christmas lunch which also allows Windsor less important – those who are not allowed next week at Sandringham – to celebrate the holidays with the monarch.
Prince Louis eats in another room
Once they entered the hall of Buckingham Palace which hosted the lunch, heir George – in suit and tie -, Princess Charlotte and little Louis joined their many cousins and were immediately escorted to another room. According to an ancient tradition maintained by Charles – but probably destined to disappear once William and Kate ascend to the throne – Royals under the age of 16 cannot sit next to adults. Instead they are promptly relegated to an adjacent room, with tables, games and waiters whose only job is to serve the little ones.
The Royals at the table, with the Mince Pies of Prince Louis
In the next room, the one for adults, the Royals invited to the event sought their assigned seats and sat at ten long tables. Many of them do not have the opportunity to meet often and Queen Elizabeth organized the event precisely to give everyone the opportunity to see each other again and spend a few hours together.
The menu to enjoy is seasonal, complete with cocktails and Christmas desserts like the traditional ones Mince Piesrich in raisins, and little Louis’ favorite; gingerbread cookies and Christmas Puddingthe cake made with dried fruit, spices and liqueurs which often hides a good luck coin. All prepared by chef Mark Flanagan and the Buckingham Palace kitchens.
Prince Louis on arrival at Buckingham (Ipa)
The staggered arrival of the Serie A and B Royals
The Royals arrived one after the other, based on their position in the line of succession and their level, therefore, of importance in the pecking orderthe monarchical order. Charles and Camilla welcomed Princess Anne and her husband Timothy, their children Zara and Peter with their respective families, the Dukes of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, with their children Louise and James.
The 90-year-old Duke of Kent arrived accompanied by his daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, his nephew Samuel and Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret’s granddaughter. And everyone else made their entrance in quick succession, from Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, with their children Gabriella, Frederick and their families, to the many distant cousins, such as the model Lady Amelia WindsorLady Marina, Lord Downpatrick, rarely welcomed at court.
The great absentees at the king’s lunch
Excluding the four Royals whose presence is no longer appreciated at court. Harry and Meghan have not received an invitation since 2020, the year of their abandonment. And not even the former Prince Andrew and the former Duchess Sarah Ferguson will be able to be there anymore who, following the Epstein scandal, will never again be admitted to family events, even very private ones like yesterday’s.
William and Kate upon arrival at Buckingham (Ipa)
The smiles upon the arrival of Beatrice and Eugenia
Andrea consoled himself by riding a horse alone along the paths of Windsor, in the persistent rain. At least their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenia (the latter with a pair of fun Christmas candy cane earrings), were able to reunite with their relatives, who continue to support them.
King Charles III even invited them and their families to Sandringham next week for the traditional Royal celebrations, but the two princesses refused the invitation. They will celebrate Christmas with mum and dad. In spite of everything.