As the holiday season draws closer, Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, are preparing for a quieter Christmas celebration. Royal watchers had hoped to see the couple participate in multiple festive events, but it appears this year’s plans will be far more subdued.

Prince William recently shared that, due to a variety of factors, he and Catherine would not be attending as many gatherings as in previous years. This marks a significant shift in the couple’s approach to the festive season, as they have previously been known for their active participation in royal Christmas events.

Focus on Family Time

The main reason for their decision to scale back their public appearances is to focus more on their immediate family. With three young children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—there is a growing need for the family to spend more time together at home.

As the children continue to grow, William and Kate are making efforts to ensure that their Christmas celebrations are centered around family, offering their children a sense of normalcy despite their royal status. This shift aligns with their desire to keep their children’s lives as private and grounded as possible.

Fewer Public Appearances

Catherine, who has become known for her elegance and poise in public appearances, will also attend fewer events this year. She has consistently worked hard to balance her royal duties and her role as a mother, and it seems that this holiday season, her responsibilities at home will take priority. While she has been involved in high-profile events such as the Together at Christmas concert, her participation in public festivities will likely be limited over the coming months.

Prince Andrew’s Exclusion

In addition to the quieter family-focused holiday plans, one major detail has caused a stir—Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, will not be part of the royal celebrations. It has been reported that Kate made the decision to exclude her former brother-in-law from the guest list for the family’s gatherings. The reason behind this is unclear, but it is widely believed to be linked to ongoing tensions within the royal family, particularly regarding Prince Andrew’s recent controversies. His absence from Christmas events marks a significant rift in the royal family, especially considering his historical role within the group.