How Prince William and Kate Middleton Spent Christmas This Year
There were lots of presents and sweet treats.
Christmas looked a lot different for the Royal Family this year—most notably, Prince William and Kate Middleton were not able to join Queen Elizabeth for her Windsor Castle celebrations. But what exactly was the couple up to on December 25? And more importantly, did William give Kate a present??
Turns out, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had their own quiet celebration at Anmer Hall, their countryside home in Norfolk, England. An insider told Us Weekly that the couple enjoyed spending the day with their children, and participated in some lovely holiday traditions.
For starters, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis woke up at 5 a.m. to see if Santa Claus brought them any gifts. The two boys reportedly got some outdoor gear—a camping kit for George (complete with tent and walkie talkies) and a climbing frame for Louis. Charlotte received a children’s video camera, and all three kids got additional games and books under the tree.
“While Kate and William avoid overly spoiling the children, they let the rule slide at Christmas,” the source said.
The children weren’t the only ones to unwrap some joy on Christmas morning. “After a busy year, William wanted to make this Christmas extra special for Kate and surprised her with a beautiful bracelet,” the source revealed.
When gift-giving time was over, Kate turned her attention to preparing a homemade meal for her family. According to the inside source, “Kate cooked a traditional Christmas feast for lunch—turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, ham, roast potatoes, and all the trimmings.” In addition, the Duchess “used her creative skills to decorate the table with candles, evergreen branches, and cones as centerpieces.”
The meal was followed up with dessert—a Christmas log and apple pie, which the children helped Kate prepare. “But the highlight was making a gingerbread house, covered in their favorite sweets,” the source said.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
You’ll also be glad to know that William and Kate did have some contact with the rest of the Royal Family on Christmas Day. They were able to video chat with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles at Windsor, which reportedly made the children very happy.
The following day wasn’t quite as happy for some family members, however. Boxing Day (December 26) is a big day for football fans, and William and George were disappointed that their favorite team, Aston Villa, lost to Chelsea.
“But they didn’t let it ruin the festivities!” the source said.
Caitlin Morton is a freelance writer based in Kansas City, with more than eight years of experience covering travel, pop culture, and fashion. Her byline has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Architectural Digest, AFAR, Real Simple, Thrillist, and many more publications.
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest In Barrier Repair
14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter Season
It's time to add some hydration to your routine.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV Series
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her Heart
Proceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday Photo
The Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Surprising Word Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis's Nanny "Is Banned" From Using
It's not what you might expect.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular Duties
Royal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix
"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her Children
The Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
By Amy Mackelden Published