Princess Beatrice, expecting her second child in early spring, has made a last-minute change to her holiday plans and will spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal Family. Initially set to celebrate overseas with her in-laws, the 36-year-old princess opted for the Norfolk gathering after receiving medical advice against long-distance travel during her third trimester.
Accompanied by her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their three-year-old daughter Sienna, and her stepson Wolfie, Beatrice's attendance will bolster the Royal Family's festive celebrations. The event, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is set to include 45 members of the extended royal family, according to Prince William.
Despite the large gathering, some notable absences will mark the occasion. Beatrice's sister, Princess Eugenie, will not attend Sandringham this year, choosing instead to celebrate with her in-laws. Their father, Prince Andrew, will also be absent, as he continues to face scrutiny over alleged ties to a suspected Chinese spy. The Duke of York and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, will spend Christmas at their shared residence, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor estate.
This shift in plans marks a significant change for the York sisters, who have traditionally been regular attendees at Sandringham's Christmas celebrations. Last year, both sisters and their parents participated in the traditional Christmas walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church. Their absence this year, coupled with the circumstances surrounding Prince Andrew, adds a layer of complexity to the royal festivities.
Joining the Sandringham gathering for the first time will be Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla's son, who was personally invited by his mother. Parker Bowles, a food critic, shared in an interview with The Telegraph that Camilla expressed her desire to celebrate Christmas with him after a long absence.
Royal expert Jennie Bond emphasized the emotional importance of this year's festivities, particularly for King Charles and Princess Kate, both of whom have faced significant health challenges in the past year. "After the year they've had, it's going to mean the world to the King and Queen to have as many family members as possible joining them for Christmas," Bond told OK! magazine.
The gathering is expected to feature activities geared toward the younger members of the family, reflecting the growing number of children in the royal lineage. "As the number of youngsters increases, the celebrations become more and more child-oriented, which is exactly what Christmas should be all about," Bond added.
Absent from Sandringham this year are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are expected to remain in California with their two children and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. The couple has not attended a royal Christmas since 2018.
