King Charles makes his feelings clear on Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s royal futures
In this week’s edition of Emily in Palace, our Royal Editor analyses the recent royal Christmas lunch, the Wales family photo and Prince George’s big day out.V

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were welcomed back into the family fold last week as they joined the rider Royal Family for their annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. Their attendance at the festive family gathering marked a public show of support to the sisters, following their parents’ very public fall from grace.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson were stripped of their remaining royal titles and honours due to an endless drip of revelations over their association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But throughout the scandal, the King has made clear that he continues to hold his nieces in high regard and has distanced them from the indiscretions of their parents.

This was clear from the off, as Beatrice and Eugenie are permitted to keep their royal titles and maintain their working links to the Firm, such as Eugenie’s involvement with the King’s Foundation. It’s been a horrific time for them but it’s touching to see the monarch continue to support them and involve them in key events.

The sisters joined some 70 members of the family for the lunch on Tuesday evening, which saw the Prince and Princess of Wales bring their brood to the festivities after they skipped it last year. The meal serves as a precursor to the big day at Sandringham, and allows those not invited to the Norfolk estate to celebrate Christmas as a family.

Children dine separately to the adults, but still enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, crackers and festive games. This week, senior royals will start arriving at Sandringham ahead of Christmas Day.

I’ll be joining them this year, though not quite enjoying the glitz and glamour, as I’ll be standing outside St Mary Magdalene Church awaiting the royal arrivals for the morning church service. Though I’ll be away from my family, I’m looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and providing readers with a firsthand take on the royal action, from their outfits, exchanges with the public and any interactions you might miss on the TV.

The new Kensington Palace Christmas photo (Image: @KensingtonRoyal/Josh Shinner)

A sweet Christmas tradition
Some royal Christmas traditions seem slightly mundane, such as receiving their jokey presents in hierarchical order (with senior royals getting theirs first and junior, non-working members having to wait until last) and strict dress codes for dinner.

But one tradition is something I look forward to every year – the annual Christmas card photo. While the King and Queen tend to select one from a significant moment from the year, such as their 20th wedding anniversary and their coronation, the Prince and Princess of Wales typically share a never-before-seen family photo.

And this year was no different, as a smiling image of the family sitting on the grass was released on Thursday. The five appear happy, relaxed and tight-knit as they sit with their arms around each other in the garden of their Norfolk property.

Family is more important to William and Catherine than ever, as it’s plain for all to see in pictures such as this.

George’s big day out
How lovely to see the Prince of Wales is following in the footsteps of his late mother by introducing his eldest son to homeless charity, The Passage. Princess Diana first brought him along when he was just 11, a visit he has credited with inspiring his lifelong commitment to tackling homelessness.

Now he’s trying to pass on that passion to his son, 12-year-old Prince George, by helping out at the charity’s annual Christmas lunch.

He got stuck in by packing care packages, making cupcakes and helping to decorate the tree. It marks just another example of young George stepping up this year, as his parents carefully introduce him to the busy world of royal duty and help prepare him for what’s in store – though how anyone can fully prepare to be King, I don’t know.

Merry Christmas!
With December 25 now just four days away, I wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. This year has not been without its challenges for many I’m sure, but as you gather with friends and family this Christmas, be grateful for the love and warmth of each other and cherish the special moments shared.

Christmas is about coming together – not to mention over indulging in seasonal treats. So if you can, put your feet up and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year and remember, Christmas is a time for giving and spending time with your loved ones (even if they occasionally drive you up the wall!).