Prince William and Kate spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for Christmas lunch

Prince William and Princess Catherine have been spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for the traditional Christmas lunch with other members of the Royal Family. Looking suitably festive, the couple were joined in their car by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The family, who will be travelling to the Sandringham Estate to spend the big day with the rest of the royals, looked thrilled as they drove into the famous home. Also spotted arriving were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie who drove together in the same car.

Their appearance at the annual pre-Christmas celebration comes after the scandals surrounding their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, have failed to die down.

Their appearance also marks the first time the sisters have been seen with the Royal Family after they did not attend Princess Catherine's carol concert at Westminster Abbey earlier this month.

Despite not being there, Princess Eugenie took to social media shortly afterwards and posted an image of the order of service, along with a personal message. Although she did not explain and reason for her and Beatrice's absence, she said: “Wish Bea and I could have been celebrating tonight with our family. Wishing the Princess of Wales such a special evening at her incredible carol service. What an amazing message of love and hope.”

Today's lunch gives extended members of the Royal Family who will not have the opportunity to travel to Sandringham for Christmas Day the chance to see their family and wish them a happy new year.

After the dinner was over, Prince William was once again spotted behind the wheel as he drove with his daughter, Princess Charlotte, in the front seat. The family's nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borralo, was visible in the back seat of the car.

Although not much is known about the pre-Christmas lunch celebrations, Mike Tindall did once shed light on what goes on behind Palace walls when the family gets together.

Back in 2019, he revealed on a podcast that around 70 people attended the festive lunch, more than usually attends Sandringham on the big day. He also confirmed that the children attending the celebrations ate separately to the adults.

Speaking about the 2019 event, Hello Magazine reported that Mike said: "I didn't drink actually, this is the other one, the family lunch there must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on [then] Prince Charles' table. It was lovely, really good."