The calendar of the royal family seems to be full this month with different engagements ahead of Christmas day. Queen Elizabeth and other senior royals celebrated the annual palace reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Buckingham Palace. However, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, didn't grace the event. Did the Wessexes snub Her Majesty's special occasion?
According to Hello!, the Countess of Wessex couldn't be seen at the royal event because she was hosting a party of her own with her husband. There was a Christmas dinner at their home at Bagshot Park in Surrey for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, where the Earl of Wessex is a trustee, and the Women in Business Committee, of which Sophie is the chairman.
In 1956, Prince Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which helps young people to develop their skills for life and work. Prince Edward has been committed to the organization's work since he got his own Gold Award in 1986. After a year, he became the charity's trustee. The Women in Business Committee, on the other hand, works to promote the Award.
Before Sophie and Prince Edward had their Christmas dinner at home, they attended the Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Donald Gosling at Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton were no show at the event, but Prince William, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Michael of Kent were there.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Queen Elizabeth led senior royals, like Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Camilla, at the Diplomatic Corps reception. Express noted that the Queen donned a lace-trimmed Angela Kelly state gown and her Vladimir tiara with emerald and diamond drops for the occasion. Of course, she wore her signature white gloves and carried a silver handbag.
Kate Middleton looked stunning as always in her Alexander McQueen navy velvet gown. She paired the dress with the late Princess Diana's favorite diamond and pearl Lover's Knot tiara, sparkling earrings, and a necklace. The Duchess of Cambridge also sported her sash and star of the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, too, didn't fail to amaze everyone with her Bruce Oldfield cream embroidered gown. She completed her look with diamond Boucheron tiara and a pair of pearl choker and earrings.
This special event comes before the royal family celebrates Christmas together in Sandringham. Queen Elizabeth traditionally spends the holidays at her country estate in Norfolk with the rest of the family, only that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be at the special event as they are in their six-week vacation in the United States.
