Prince William and Kate Middleton are receiving some flak for allegedly breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules yet again. The couple visited a Christmas attraction at the Queen's Sandringham estate Sunday with their kids and the family of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
According to Hello, Prince William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis were photographed at the "Luminate" Christmas trail with the Wessex kids, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. Walking behind them were the Queen's son, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie.
However, the area where "Luminate" was installed falls under Tier 2 of the United Kingdom's lockdown guidelines, which means that only six people in a total of two households could socialize together. The Cambridges and the Wessexes family exceeded the "Rule of Six" restriction by three individuals, thus the outrage from the public.
A Palace insider told Daily Mail that the two royal families were given different consecutive slots to visit the attraction. But with kids in tow, it was likely hard to separate the family groups apart, especially during a 90-minute trail. It is understood, however, that the Cambridges arrived and departed the venue with their own household and did not actually intend to meet up with the Wessexes at the Christmas attraction.
Prince William, Kate, and the children will be spending the Christmas break at their country home in Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Prince Edward, Sophie, and their children live all the way at Bagshot Park in Surrey.
In early December, William and Kate received criticisms during their three-day Royal Train Tour across the United Kingdom, Scotland and Wales. The couple planned the trip because they wanted to personally express their gratitude and boost the morale of the frontliners who have kept the country running despite the pandemic.
But non-essential travels have been banned during the Cambridge pair's trip to Scotland, prompting some officials to warn Kensington Palace that William and Kate would not be welcomed. A spokesperson for Scotland's government, however, said that the royal pair's team have been coordinating with them ahead of time, and they were informed of the "statutory restrictions." Kensington Palace also said that this was part of a work trip for the royal public servants.
On Twitter, netizens reacted to William and Kate's visit to Scotland, with some asking why the Cambridges still decided to proceed. Other users on social media attempted to report the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the police for breaking their COVID-19 rules.
