Queen hosts family Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace

The Queen hosted her family for a Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today, before she heads to Sandringham later this week.

The extended family is invited to the palace as only her immediate family can be accommodated at Sandringham House, with 30-or-so bedrooms.

Catherine and Harry arrived together at Buckingham Palace earlier today. I-images.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrived with Prince Harry, and the sight of a golden mop of hair indicated Prince George was in the back of the car, too. Prince William was in Wiltshire for the memorial service for his friend’s father, John Pelly, who died last month.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was joined by her husband Prince Charles for the journey, while Sophie and Edward arrived separately. Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn were not seen.

Sir Tim Lawrence walked through the crowds into his mother-in-law’s home, but sat alongside his wife, Princess Anne, for the journey back.

Zara Phillips was spotted with her husband, Mike Tindall, at the wheel, and Mia, who turns two next month, was spotted in her car seat.

HOW THE ROYAL FAMILY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS 

Mike, Zara and Mia Tindall left Buckingham Palace with presents visible in the boot. I-Images.

Although unconfirmed, the gathering likely takes place in the ballroom for space, but with marginally less place settings than a State Banquet. Last month, the State Dining Room was closed at Buckingham Palace due to a collapsed ceiling.

Princess Eugenie arrived alone, as did Princess Alexandra. Her brothers, The Duke of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent, arrived in different cars, and naturally, their wives also attended: The Duchess of Kent, who retired from Royal duties in 2008, and Princess Michael of Kent.

Lord Nicholas Windsor, son of The Duke andDuchess of Kent, and his family arrived in a London cab, while Lord Frederick Windsor, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s son, walked up to the palace alone.

Making up the rest of the guest list was the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; Autumn Phillips and her daughters, Savannah and Isla; Lady Amelia Windsor, who joined grandparents The Duke and Duchess of Kent in their car; Lady Helen Talyor and her Family made an appearance too.

The lunch lasted a few hours, with the Tindall family seen leaving with a boot full of wrapped gifts. Catherine left after three hours, George in the back.

This is perhaps the only opportunity for an informal family gathering during the year; while most of the family attends Trooping the Colour for The Queen’s official birthday in June, filing out onto the balcony, it is at the height of the Royal year, where everyone is busy. The lunch allows for a real catch-up between cousins and distant relatives, and is catered for by the palace chefs.

Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, nanny to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was spotted, too, and an unknown figure sat next to Mia Tindall. It seems the nannies came too, so he parents could have a break, but also so that the children could Play with one another.