Kate Middleton, Prince William and children among royals at Queen's Christmas lunch - best photos

The festive bash took place at Buckingham Palace

kate middleton christmas party© Photo: Rex
Danielle Stacey
Danielle StaceyOnline Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: December 18, 2019
Prince George of Cambridge in a car with a man, both wearing formal attire.© Photo: Rex

The Queen was joined by members of the royal family as she hosted her annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. Among those spotted arriving at the festive bash were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and baby son Archie did not attend as they are currently on a six-week break from royal duties and are spending their time privately.

The Queen's second son, the Duke of York, who recently stepped down from royal duties in the wake of his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was spotted driving through the palace gates.

The lunch also allows the 93-year-old monarch to catch up with extended family members as well, including her cousins. 

Take a look at the best photos... 

Prince George, wearing a white shirt, was spotted in the front seat of the car as dad Prince William drove them to Gan Gan's (George's nickname for the Queen) lunch. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, drives a car with Prince George of Cambridge in the back seat.© Photo: Rex

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte broke up from Thomas's Battersea school last week, for their Christmas holidays. 

Kate Middleton, smiling and waving, sits in the driver's seat of a car.© Photo: Rex

The Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a tartan Emilia Wickstead outfit with pearl earrings, waved as she arrived at Buckingham Palace. 

Kate Middleton waves from the driver's seat of a car with two children and a man.© Photo: PA

Princess Charlotte beamed as she sat in the back of the car with brother Prince Louis and mum Kate in front. 

Child in car seat looks surprised, wearing sweater, next to another child.© Photo: PA

Prince Louis looked adorable in the back of the car wearing a Christmas jumper!

A man in a suit and glasses drives a car with a boy in the back seat.© Photo: Rex

The Earl of Wessex with his son James Viscount Severn were among the first arrivals. 

Mike Tindall drives a car with Zara Tindall, wearing glasses, beside him. They smile at onlookers.© Photo: Rex

Princess Anne's daughter Zara arrived with husband Mike Tindall. 

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wearing glasses, drives a car with a young woman beside her.© Photo: Rex

The Countess of Wessex arrived with daughter Lady Louise Windsor. Sophie wrapped up in a burgundy coat. 

Sophie Winkleman and Lord Frederick Windsor with their daughter in a Range Rover, smiling at onlookers.© Photo: Rex

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's son Lord Frederick Windsor arrived with wife Sophie Winkleman. 

Charles, Prince of Wales, in a suit and tie, sits in the back seat of a blue car.© Photo: Rex

The Prince of Wales was spotted in the back of the car. 

Two men in suits and ties sit in the back of a car. The man on the left is Prince Andrew, Duke of York.© Photo: Rex

The Duke of York was spotted driving his Bentley through the gates of Buckingham Palace. 

Anne, Princess Royal and Timothy Laurence sit in the back seat of a car.© Photo: Rex

Princess Anne and husband Sir Timothy Laurence were among the Queen's guests. 

Man and woman in a Range Rover, man driving, woman smiling, photographer behind.© Photo: Rex

Princess Beatrice wore a blue coat and a hair bow for the Queen's Christmas lunch. Her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was not pictured with her in the car. 

Camilla, Queen Consort, smiling in a red top and black jacket, sits in a car with another person.© Photo: Rex

The Duchess of Cornwall, wearing a red outfit, arrived separately from her husband Prince Charles, as he had prior engagements. 

Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince George smiling in a car.© Photo: PA

After the lunch, William and Kate were pictured leaving together - with all three Cambridge children in the back. Prince George sat behind his mum, with Charlotte in the middle and little Louis behind William. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, sits in a black Audi with a woman and a young girl.© Photo: PA

Kate smiled to crowds as the family left Buckingham Palace, showing off her gorgeous tartan outfit. 

Children with short hair peer out from a gray car window. Crowd visible outside car.© Photo: PA

Another sweet shot of the Cambridge siblings! 

Mike Tindall, Zara Tindall, and their daughter sit in a Range Rover outside a grand building.© Photo: PA

Zara and Mike were also pictured leaving, with daughter Mia sat in the back of the car. No doubt little sister Lena is sat next to her.

A woman in a red top and a man in a suit and tie sit in a Range Rover.© Photo: PA

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance at the party, with the royal looking festive in her bold red outfit and sparkly hair accessory.

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