Britain’s Prince William and Duchess Catherine are planning to spend Christmas at their country estate.
The couple – who have 15-month-old son Prince George and are expecting their second child together – have previously alternated spending the festive season with their respective families since tying the knot in 2011, but this year they reportedly intend to wake up in Anmer Hall, their 10-bedroom residence on Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, East England.
According to an insider, William and Catherine – who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage – have made the decision in order to keep all of their family members happy, as there is enough room for the duchess’ relatives to stay, while they will be able to make the short trip to the main Sandringham residence to join the royal family for lunch and to attend church with them.
A source told People magazine: "Anmer makes a lot of sense in that it is just down the road from Sandringham."
And veteran royal author Judy Wade noted: "They could wake up at home, open their stockings and then head to church and join up with the rest of the royal family."
The couple are excited about Christmas because George will take much more of an interest this year.
Judy said: "This year, for the first time, George will be into it all, thrilled with the sparkling tree and unwrapping the presents."
After marrying in 2011, William and Catherine spent their first Christmas as man and wife at Sandringham with the prince’s family, before joining the Middletons at the duchess’ old home in Bucklebury in 2012.
Last year – their first Christmas as parents – was again spent at the royal residence.
Prince William and Duchess Catherine to have Christmas at home
