Queen Elizabeth welcomes her extended family to Buckingham Palace for her annual Christmas lunch. The occasion is a rare moment for her clan to come together, much the way they gather every June for Trooping the Colour, the official celebration of the Queen’s birthday. This event, however, is private, a true family reunion and not a ceremonial occasion.
All the Queen’s children are there (including Prince Andrew, who last month stepped back from his public duties following enormous public criticism of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein), along with several of her grandchildren.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were notably absent. The royal couple and their 7-month-old son Archie are currently on a six-week break from royal duties and reportedly traveling abroad.
Meghan and Harry revealed they would take time off towards the end of the year amid concerns that the intense scrutiny they’ve faced has been tough on the couple.
“The duke and duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time,” a royal source previously confirmed.
