Kate Middleton was one with the royal family, led by Queen Elizabeth, in welcoming the different world leaders to a reception in Buckingham Palace for the NATO Summit last Dec. 3. The Duchess of Cambridge went solo because her husband, Prince William, was away for a royal tour in the Middle East.
According to reports, Kate went to the reception with her private secretary Catherine Quinn. The Duke of Cambridge, on the other hand, was visiting the Middle East upon the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The request specifically noted it would be a solo trip for Prince William to learn about more about Kuwait and Oman's conservation efforts and defense initiatives with the help of the U.K.
Also notably missing from the Queen's reception with the NATO leaders are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The pair are currently in the United States with their baby, Archie Harrison, for their six-week holiday. Reports stated that Prince Harry and Meghan celebrated Thanksgiving amid close family members. It is presumed that they are in Los Angeles with Doria Ragland, Meghan's mother.
Without her husband and brother-in-law to mingle with at the high profile social function, Kate managed quite well as she talked with the Heads of State and other government officials. She was spotted having an animated conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is reportedly good friends with the Cambridge royals.
Meanwhile, Prince William is scheduled to be back in London this weekend after his royal trip. Reports from In Touch Weekly stated that he's actually relieved his brother and sister-in-law would not be around for holidays.
Sources told the news outlet that Prince William has apparently "grown tired" of Prince Harry and Meghan's drama and their struggles with the media scrutiny of the royals. Kate is trying to stay away from the conflict with her plate full looking after three children and fulfilling her royal duties.
However, sources also said that Kate is not pleased that Prince Harry and Meghan can decide as they please at the expense of disappointing Queen Elizabeth. Though Her Majesty gave Prince Harry and Meghan permission to skip Christmas in Sandringham this year, insiders stated that she us actually "devastated."
Kate is also apparently mulling backing out of the royal family Christmas tradition. The Cambridges haven't made any announcements regarding their Christmas plans.
