The monarch was
joined by members of her family as she spent Christmas Day for the second year
running at Windsor Castle. Ahead of the festivities, Clarence House confirmed
that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall would be spending the
day with Her Majesty.
The Sun has
also reported the monarch was joined by 20 family members in all,
including the Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess
Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and five of her great-grandchildren.
Prince Edward and his former wife, Sarah,
Duchess of York live nearby at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex joined
Prince Charles, Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the morning
church service at St George’s Chapel on Christmas Day. Prince Edward and Sophie
were accompanied by their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James,
Viscount Severn, 14.
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| The Wessexes attended church on Christmas morning |
Meanwhile, the Cambridges spent
Christmas at their Norfolk abode, Anmer Hall, with their three children. Prince
William and Kate were joined by some members of the Middleton family, which
included the Duchess’ parents.
One family member who was not able to spend
Christmas with the Queen at Windsor was the monarch’s daughter, Princess
Royal.
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| Charles and Camilla are staying with the Queen for Christmas |
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Princess
Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, 66, had tested positive for
Coronavirus. He is understood to be isolated at the couple’s Gloucestershire
home, Gatcombe Park.
The Queen canceled her annual stay at
Sandringham as a “precautionary” measure amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Ahead of 25 December, a royal source said Her Majesty will be visited by
members of the royal family over the festive period, as she marks the first
Christmas without her late husband, Prince Philip, who passed away in
April. The royal source added sensible precautions will be taken by those
visiting.
