Kate Middleton had her 38th birthday bash last Sunday, Jan. 5, in Anmer Hall in Norfolk near Sandringham. The event had Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as her special guest but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were missing from the celebration.
According to People, Kate and Prince William celebrated with some of their closest friends and family members that Sunday after they heard mass at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Kate's actual birthday is actually on Jan. 9 but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked-off Kate's birthday revelry earlier as per royal traditions.
It is understood that Kate could still celebrate her actual birthday in Kensington Palace. However, seeing that it is a Thursday, Prince William and Kate could be enjoying much of their day attending to their royal duties first and then hosting a family dinner at their official residence.
The royal children -- Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis -- are expected to be in this birthday dinner. They were not at the Sunday celebration with their great-grandparents since the kids have school the next day.
People further reported that Kate's celebration in Norfolk included her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and some of their lifelong friends like David and Rose, Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley, Tom van Straubenzee and Lucy Lanigan-O'Keeffe. According to Daily Express, Kate was really keen on spending her birthday in Sandringham since Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were still staying there after the holidays. Royal expert Charlie Lankston said that Kate was happy to set aside the time for Prince William's grandparents.
Conspicuously absent for Kate's birthday celebration in Norfolk where Prince William's brother, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to London after their long break in North America the day following the party, hence it was not possible for them to join the royal family.
However, Kate's previous two birthday celebrations were also without Prince Harry and Meghan. According to Daily Express, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not receive any invites for the party.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate confirmed that their first royal engagement for 2020 will be a visit to Bradford on Jan. 15. They will be talking with youth representatives, employers and businessmen to help underprivileged young people.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are also going to be at the reception for the U.K.-Africa Investment summit in Buckingham Palace. They will be performing these duties on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.
