Why Prince William Is Traveling Without Kate Middleton and Kids Right Ahead of Christmas

Prince William is taking an unexpected trip abroad just a week before Christmas.

Kensington Palace announced on Monday that the Prince of Wales was traveling to Kuwait on behalf of his father, King Charles, to offer his condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah following the death of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al -Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The British royal family has long-standing ties to Kuwait, and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited the UK three times in 2023: in May for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, in August as a guest of the government and in October for a meeting with the king.

Prince William was joined on the trip by Foreign Minister David Cameron.

Prince William September 13, 2023

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The overseas visit comes as he and Kate Middleton were likely looking forward to spending some time with their three children ahead of the holidays. Lambrook School, which is attended by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, had its last day of classes before the Christmas holidays on Friday. The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, usually cut short their royal schedules during the school holidays to be with their children.

This week, the royal family is likely to gather for their annual pre-Christmas lunch. Prince William, Princess Kate and their children are regular guests at the private holiday event held at Windsor Castle on December 20 last year.

Every year for Christmas, the British royal family gathers at Sandringham in Norfolk. Darren McGrady, who was a chef during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, previously said for Daily mail for the royals to have afternoon tea on Christmas Eve before exchanging “cheesy and cheap” gifts.

On Christmas Day, the royals traditionally attend a Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church followed by a holiday lunch of turkey with sides such as potatoes, stuffing and vegetables. At 3pm they watch King Charles’ Christmas speech on TV, followed by afternoon tea.

Kate Middleton and Prince William with their children on December 8, 2023.

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Prince William and Princess Kate’s family will likely stay at Anmer Hall, their country residence on the Sandringham estate, where Kate reportedly feels at home.

“It’s like a fancy country house,” someone familiar with the home told PEOPLE. “It’s not grandiose. But it’s a great, friendly family environment.”

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Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at the Christmas concert on December 8, 2023.

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Earlier this month, Prince William and Princess Kate were joined by Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, for the third annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. The event, hosted by Kate, celebrates the holiday as well as a special cause — this year it was linked to Princess Kate’s Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on her mission to support children in their early years.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education