IF you’ve ever been in a long-term relationship, then chances are you’ve probably had an argument over where you’ll spend Christmas.
But while most couples usually opt for seeing each other’s families on alternate years, things get a little more complicated when you’re a royal.
Speaking to Ok!, royal expert Katie Nicholl explained how Prince William and Kate Middleton tried this approach in the first few years of their marriage.
She said: “In the early years of being a family, they did try to alternate Christmas, one year with The Queen and the Royal Family and the next year with the Middletons.
“But Kate and William put duty before self and we can see that, more now than ever.”
For the Duchess, this has meant prioritising spending Christmas Day at Sandringham with The Queen over seeing her parents and siblings.
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The expert added: “There is a sacrifice on Kate’s part because Christmas is a very big thing for the Middleton family, but they put The Queen first and make sure they are there on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Sandringham.
“But, it’s probably a lot of fun for the Cambridge children that they get to celebrate Christmas twice – once with their great-grandmother and the Royal Family and then again with the Middletons at their Bucklebury home.”
For her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2011, Kate Middleton reportedly gave The Queen a jar of homemade chutney.
Expert Duncan Larcombe told the publication: “A homemade chutney gift was absolutely spot on – down to earth, practical and frugal – everything Her Majesty loves.
“It also showed that Kate could relate to the Queen as a normal grandmother and not just the head of state. And it helped forge a bond built on mutual respect and admiration.”
What’s more, Katie claims the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge WILL send Christmas gifts to Archie and Lilibet in California – despite their rift with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry revealed that The Queen had sent Archie a wafflemaker for Christmas in 2020.
During his appearance on James Corden‘s The Late Late Show, the Duke of Sussex said: “Interestingly, my grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meg said a waffle maker.
“Meg makes up a beautiful organic mix, in the waffle maker, flip it, out it comes, he loves it. Archie literally wakes up in the morning and says ‘waffle’.”
In more Royal Family news, Prince William revealed the hilarious argument George & Charlotte have ‘most mornings’ & parents can definitely relate.
And Prince William cringed as he reveals Taylor Swift led him on stage ‘like a puppy’ for performance with Bon Jovi.
Plus Prince William and Kate Middleton have a ‘secret’ third home & it was a touching gift from The Queen Mother.
