THE Queen WILL host Christmas dinner with Charles and Camilla after Princess Anne was forced to cancel over Covid – but Kate & William will not attend.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, will be in Norfolk, and joined by members of the Middleton family.
Anne, 71, will not be able to spend Christmas Day with the monarch as planned as her husband Sir Timothy Laurence has tested positive for Covid.
It's understood retired Royal Navy vice admiral Sir Timothy, 66, and the Princess Royal are isolating at the Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucestershire.
But Her Majesty will be surrounded by her family – with Charles and Camilla joining her for dinner.
Read our royal family live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Kate praises 'inspirational heroes' during the pandemic
The Duchess of Cambridge has paid tribute to the "inspirational" people who have served their communities during the "bleak time" of the pandemic as she introduced a community carol service at Westminster Abbey.
In a recorded introduction to the service, which took place at Westminster Abbey on December 8 and will air as Royal Carols: Together At Christmas at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve on ITV, the duchess said she and her husband wanted to recognise those whose struggles may have been "less visible" during the pandemic.
Kate said: "We wanted to say a huge thank you to all those amazing people out there who have supported their communities.
"We also wanted to recognise those whose struggles perhaps have been less visible too," she added.
The duchess said the country had been through "such a bleak time" and had faced "many challenges", including the loss of loved ones, while frontline workers had been under "immense pressure".
- Joseph Gamp
Kate & William WON'T spend Xmas Day with the Queen
KATE and William will not spend Christmas at Windsor Castle with the Queen and rest of the family.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, will be in Norfolk, and joined by members of the Middleton family.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan made donations 'on your behalf'
Harry and Meghan said they had made donations "on your behalf to several organisations that honour and protect families – from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave."
The organisations include Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew, Paid Leave For All, PL+US and Marshall Plan for Moms.
The couple wish supporters a "happy holiday season and a prosperous new year, from our family to yours", though they do not reference Christmas in the card.
Harry and Meghan met with Team Rubicon, a disaster relief charity staffed by veteran volunteers, earlier in the year during a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
They visited Task Force Liberty, home to 10,000 Afghan refugees being housed at the US military base.
- Joseph Gamp
Thanksgiving service for Prince Philip planned for this Spring
A service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh will take place next year.
Buckingham Palace said the service will be held at Westminster Abbey in London in the spring.
It is understood the date will be confirmed in due course and the guestlist is being finalised.
It is thought it will consist of family, friends, dignitaries and representatives of the charities and organisations which Philip was associated with.
Philip, the Queen's husband of 74 years, died aged 99 in April.
His funeral was held during the pandemic and complied with coronavirus restrictions within the confines of Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police warned people to stay away due to the strict coronavirus guidance that was in place at the time.
Only a few people were present in the town during the morning of the funeral, however, hundreds congregated outside the castle to pay their respects to him later in the day as he was laid to rest at St George's Chapel.
- Joseph Gamp
What does Meg & Harry's photographer think of the snap?
Photographer Alexi Lubomirski, who snapped the photograph at the couple's Santa Barbara home in California, described his work on Instagram as "one of those rare and special projects, that one is fortunate enough to be a part of".
Mr Lubomirski said he had first photographed Meghan and Harry as an engaged couple, and then on their wedding day and as a married couple.
He said that "now seeing their love manifest into two beautiful children" had been a "delightful honour".
"To be trusted by your subjects enough, to open themselves up and have their connection documented and translated into an image, is one of the greatest gifts a photographer can have," he said.
"This day with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was one such joyous experience, and one that I feel extremely privileged to have been invited to capture.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan smiles as daughter Lilibet as Archie looks on
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sent their best wishes to supporters in a message featuring the first publicly-released photograph of their baby daughter Lilibet.
The card shows Harry and Meghan smiling at Lilibet as the duchess holds her aloft, while their son Archie sits on his father's knee.
The couple wishes supporters "happy holidays" in the card, which was sent via email through the Archewell charity they co-founded in 2020.
A message alongside the photo reads: "This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.
"Archie made us a 'Mama' and a 'Papa', and Lili made us a family."
- Joseph Gamp
‘Regal’ Kate Middleton behaves ‘just like Queen’ (Continued…)
Judi continued to say: “Whereas the Queen and Kate will tend to keep their hands held low to their torsos to allow themselves to be as visible and possible, Camilla will often create barriers to ‘hide’ behind, like her use here of the small bouquet of flowers that she holds chest and nearly face high as she chats to her hosts.
“Her smile might be non-regal but it projects high signals of warmth, with crinkling around the eyes and a pulling of the lips to suggest a desire for empathy and even sympathy.
“Camilla might not stand out at a royal gathering but she seems to use her body language to make her mark on more of a one-to-one basis, where she can look friendly and approachable.”
Continuing on Kate, Judi said that: “Kate’s body language signals manage to blend a very elegant air of regality, specialness and status with a more respectful approach that at time entails some deliberate mirroring and even status-lowering to help bond with the public.
“While The Queen and Camilla appear to adhere to their own personal style, Kate is much more flexible and modern, moving between ‘regal’ and ‘down-to-earth/natural’ depending on what is needed at any time.”
- Joseph Gamp
‘Regal’ Kate Middleton behaves ‘just like Queen’
Body language expert Judi James has compared Kate Middleton to Camilla Parker Bowles and how their style is different in public.
Judi said: “The Queen’s body language is as unique as her role and her status.
“She uses space to help create her royal aura and her deliberate trait of dressing in bold, block colours to stand out would add to this idea of specialness.”
For Camilla, Judi said: “With a perilous route into the Royal Family at the highest level, Camilla’s body language signals have always been in almost direct contrast to the Queen’s and would be defined as ‘actively self-effacing and low-key’.
“Camilla’s body language signals tend to hint at a subliminal desire to hide and to keep away from the spotlight.”
- Joseph Gamp
Downing Street: 'Likely' PM's audience with Queen to go virtual
Downing Street said it was likely the Prime Minister's audiences with the Queen would move to being virtual.
Asked whether Boris Johnson would continue to meet the Queen in person, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "That will be a matter for the royal family.
"I'm not aware of them not being… I think they will probably be moved virtually but that'll be a matter for the palace."
- Milica Cosic
Meghan & Harry ‘celebrate freedom' with ‘idyllic’ Xmas card
According to a body language expert, the Duke and Duchess' new Christmas card reveals they are "celebrating" their newfound freedom and putting their "painful" past behind them.
Speaking to Fabulous, body language expert Judi James said everything from the styling of the shoot to the couple's poses reflect how content they are in their new lives in California.
The expert said: "This is such an idyllic and even ‘back to basics’ depiction of happiness and contentment from Meghan and Harry."
Judi claims Harry and Meghan have purposefully referenced their first public appearance together back in 2017 – where the then-Suits star wore a pair of ripped jeans.
She continued: "[It shows] them styled in the same, emphatically casual way that they were when they first presented to the world as a couple at the Invictus games – when Meghan famously wore the ripped denim jeans that the couple and their son are wearing here.
"It makes the pose look like a celebration of freedom as much as the couple’s joy as a family of four."
Read the article in full here.
- Milica Cosic
A service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip
The Queen will make a service of thanksgiving to honour Prince Philip can take place next year.
She has agreed that the event celebrating the Duke of Edinburgh's life and achievements will take place in Spring at Westminster Abbey.
The congregation will include family, friends and dignitaries with further details to be announced soon.
Representatives from the charities and organisations Prince Philip was associated with will also be in attendance.
- Milica Cosic
Queen's Xmas speech
It will be her first since the death of her beloved Prince Philip – who died in April at the age of 99.
The speech is likely to reflect on her dear late husband, as well as the ongoing strength of the nation during the pandemic.
She’ll be surrounded by her closest family in time for Christmas Eve, according to reports.
Palace aides are also exploring options for the monarch to appear in public over the next two weeks to wish the country a happy Christmas, reports the Mail.
- Milica Cosic
Inside Meghan & Harry's Xmas card
The card was released with the sweet message: "This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.
“Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family.”
The card continued: "As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families – from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave: Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew & Paid Leave For All, PL+US, Marshall Plan for Moms.
"Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours! As ever, Harry, Meghan, Archie & Lili".
- Milica Cosic
The first photo of Lilibet
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex beamed as they showed off their little girl for the first time since she was born six months ago in the adorable family photo.
In the holiday photo, taken by their wedding photographer Alexi Lubomirski, Meghan can be seen raising a giggling Lilibet – who was named after the Queen – in the air.
Meanwhile Harry, in ripped jeans and no shoes, laughs as he cuddles their son Archie, two.
Lilibet, who was born in June this year, wore a gorgeous white smock as she beamed at her parents and brother.
- Milica Cosic
Queen urged to hand over the throne
Royal commentator Sarah Vine has insisted the monarch should hand the reins over to Prince Charles and enjoy retirement.
Speaking to Palace Confidential on Mail+, Ms Vine said: “She could just retire and hand over to Charles.
“She doesn’t have to die to do that, does she?
“She could just say, ‘I’m still Queen’. That’s what I think would be the sensible thing.
“I think he would have the chance to establish himself under her watchful eye and we’ll all get used to the idea.
“And when she very sadly does die, it will be a very sad event but it won’t be a catastrophic headache.”
- Milica Cosic
BREAKING: Meghan & Harry reveal first glimpse of Lilibet
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have revealed the first glimpse of baby Lilibet in a sweet family Christmas card.
The Sussexes gleamed in the first picture of the foursome – with Meghan holding her daughter and Harry with his arm around Archie.
The card read: "This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world.
“Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family.”
- Milica Cosic
A more ‘formal’ Xmas celebration with Harry & Meghan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will still find a way to celebrate the festive season with The Queen, an expert has claimed.
Earlier this month, royal correspondent Neil Sean discussed how the Royal Family will be marking Christmas this year on his YouTube channel.
Neil claimed: “There will be some gifts but it will be very formal.
“[The Queen] is far too gracious to be childish and not include [Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the gift package.”
However, the expert said the gift opening would take place at “a distance” and NOT over Zoom calls.
- Milica Cosic
Prince William ‘will do what his granny asks’
The Queen reportedly asked Prince William to stop flying in helicopters with the rest of his family over safety fears.
And the Duke of Cambridge will likely follow his grandmother’s advice, according to royal commentator Russell Myers.
Speaking to ITV’s This Morning, Mr Myers said: “There’s an old age rule that members of the Royal Family don’t travel together and the reason is because if disaster did strike, you would potentially have the line of succession absolutely obliterated.
“The Queen has apparently had a quiet heard in William’s ear and said, ‘it’s about time to take your hand of the controls, split the family up when you are travelling whether it’s up to Norfolk or abroad’.
“The reason is if with the Cambridge, unfortunately, tragedy did happen, we would see Prince Harry having to come back and take the line of succession.
“Obviously that would be quite a hot potato with the Sussexes leaving the Royal Family and setting up home in America.
“He’ll do what his granny asks him, I’m sure.”
- Milica Cosic
Fears Harry and Meghan could RULE UK
THE Queen has been urged to take action “straight away” over fears Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could become the next in line to the throne.
Over the weekend, numerous sources claimed the Queen has “told William to stop flying his family in helicopters” as she is “terrified” of an accident that could affect the line of succession.
This would therefore mean it would put Prince Harry directly next in line.
Royal biographer Angela Levin, who has met and interviewed Prince Harry previously, said: “Action should be taken straight away.”
Taking to Twitter she told her 23 thousand followers: “The thought of H or it would be M taking the throne is ………..!”
- Milica Cosic
Queen ‘wants to set example’
A royal expert has claimed that The Queen wants to set an “example” for the country and could break a Royal Family Christmas tradition this year, especially following the rising number of Omicron cases.
Royal commentator Richard Eden told Palace Confidential: “She wants to set an example and she wants to set a good example but everything’s very difficult at the moment.
“People can catch this new variant of the virus even if they’ve been vaccinated and so it might be possible they don’t walk to church because they don’t want to attract crowds even though they’re outdoors.”
- Milica Cosic
Queen will stay at Windsor Castle for second year
The monarch will stay at Windsor Castle for the second year running.
It will also be her first Christmas without her late husband Prince Philip, who died in April aged 99.
Last Christmas was the first in 32 years that Her Majesty had not been at Sandringham for the holiday as she spent the big day shielding at Windsor with the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Milica Cosic
Queen 'disappointed' not to see Princess Anne at Xmas
A spokesman said: “The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be with Her Majesty The Queen on Christmas Day.”
Royal expert Angela Levin says the Queen will be "disappointed" that Anne will not be able to join the festive gathering.
She tweeted: "The Queen will be disappointed not to see Princess Anne at Windsor because he husband Sir Timothy has tested positive for Covid.
"Anne is very dutiful and the offspring most like the late Prince Philip. Same sense of humour, same attitude. Hopefully he will recover soon."
- Milica Cosic
Meghan really struggled’ with removal of her social media
It has been claimed that Meghan Markle has “really struggled” when she had to give up her social media profiles to join the Royal Family.
The Duchess of Sussex, 40, had to delete her public Instagram account and blog, The Tig, when she joined the Royal Family.
Royal expert Neil Sean claimed that she “really struggled with the removal”.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mr Sean said: “Meghan really struggled with the removal of her social media.”
- Milica Cosic
Queen ‘kept awake’ by fear Harry will ‘dismantle’ Firm
A royal commentator has claimed that The Queen has sleepless nights over fears the throne would be handed to Prince Harry if disaster ever struck Prince William’s family.
Royal commentator Daniela Elser in The New Zealand Herald questioned whether Harry would “dismantle” the institution “he has shown a dearth of respect for or interest in.”
Daniela also wondered how he would reshape or remake the organisation which “he has blamed for so many of his problems and so much of his unhappiness.”
She said: “Given Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s loud and pique-fuelled bombardment of the palace this year, it would be understandable if even the remotest possibility of the monarchy ending up in their hands was something keeping his Gan Gan awake at night.”
- Milica Cosic
The Queen’s mini pop-up shop
Her Majesty, 95, has a very special shopping experience set up for her so she can pick gifts for her four kids, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
According to former butler Paul Burrell, who worked for the Queen and Princess Diana, the monarch gets her very own John Lewis pop-up shop at Windsor Castle.
He told Closer magazine: “Firstly, she has catalogues sent to her, and then the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis sends her a selection of almost everything they stock.
“There is a little ‘shop’ set up in the drawing room at Windsor Castle and the Queen can pop in and choose gifts at her leisure. Late at night, after dinner, usually around 10pm, she’ll pop into her little Christmas shop and do some shopping.
“The Queen always chooses practical gifts that can be used – never ornaments or decorative things. So she might pick some picnic plates, a tablecloth, or a couple of hand towels. Then they are wrapped up and a truckload of presents are ready to go to Sandringham.”
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