William, Kate to spend 'quiet Christmas' at Sandringham

Prince William and his wife Kate, Princess of Wales are reportedly planning a low-key family Christmas at Sandringham Estate.

The British royal couple are believed to be focusing all the festivities around their three young children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six - and are planning to spend the festive period at the royal estate in Norfolk for Kate's first Christmas since her battle with cancer.

King Charles' former butler Grant Harrold told the New York Post: "Last Christmas she was probably aware that something wasn't quite right, so I imagine it was quite a tough Christmas."

Kate underwent abdominal surgery in mid-January 2023 and was later diagnosed with cancer. She was treated with chemotherapy and has since recovered and returned to work.

Harrold added: "(This year is going to be) more positive, based on what we've been told.

"It will be like any other Christmas, focused on the young family. They're very family-orientated, like the late Queen, so that will be their focus."

He also revealed the royal couple and their children will likely arrive at Sandringham on the day before Christmas Eve and spend the holidays there.

Kate is currently busy putting together a special carol concert at London's Westminster Abbey on December 6, which will be broadcast on TV and attended by members of the royal family as well as invited guests.

This year's theme is Together at Christmas and a statement from Kensington Palace explained it will provide "a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives".

The statement added the princess wanted to "celebrate the many people supporting those in need - individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive".