King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla welcomed members of the British Royal Family for the first royal Christmas lunch in three years. But, reports noted that Prince William and Kate Middleton were not seen arriving on the grounds of Windsor, unlike the rest of the guests.

Hello! Magazine said in a recent report that the royal couple, along with their three children, had been expected to attend the event. However, it suggested that the family was absent, likely due to a practical reason.

The outlet explained that the Prince and Princess of Wales might have decided to retreat to Anmer Hall, considering the end of the school term for their three children. It noted that the pair and their kids usually spend holidays at the property, adding that the location is fitting for the upcoming royal festivities this season.

The magazine recalled in the same report, published Wednesday, that King Charles III has already confirmed the British Royal Family’s plans for this year’s Christmas celebration, which he will host at Sandringham. It subsequently pointed out that Anmer Hall is located on the grounds of the estate, seemingly suggesting Prince William and Kate Middleton’s attendance at the upcoming events.

But, the Prince and Princess of Wales have not made any confirmations regarding the matter. It remains unknown whether they indeed have gone to Anmer Hall with their three children.

Meanwhile, People shared in its report covering Tuesday’s royal Christmas lunch that members of the British Royal Family, especially the event’s attendees, were spotted driving onto the grounds of Windsor.

It also stated that Kate Middleton and Prince William were not seen arriving for the event, but it had a different explanation.

The magazine noted in its piece, published on the same day of the royal event, that the lack of sighting of the Wales couple and their children was likely due to the short commute they needed to attend. As pointed out, the family relocated to Adelaide Cottage earlier this year, adding that the property is situated on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the lunch took place.

The outlet also recalled that Prince William and Kate Middleton, alongside their three children, are regulars at the holiday event.

This year’s Christmas lunch is the first since 2019, as the annual event was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express UK recalled in a recent report that the late Queen Elizabeth II regularly hosted the event, which featured Christmas crackers and a Sandringham-bred turkey.

It noted, though, that while King Charles III decided to follow the tradition, he is said to have broken custom with his move to host the event in Windsor Castle. As explained, the late Queen regularly hosted her guests at Buckingham Palace during her reign.