Kate and William have chosen to spend Christmas with the King, as the Royal Family rallies together following a year-long battle with cancer. This festive gathering will be the first time the royals have united in full force after a challenging year for the monarch and the Princess of Wales, who were diagnosed with the disease within days of each other.
Remarkably, King Charles and Kate found themselves in the same hospital at the same time for several days in January. The King was reported to have 'toddled' down the hospital corridor to comfort his cherished daughter-in-law as they both recuperated from surgeries.
The future queen was admitted to the London Clinic in Marylebone for an abdominal operation on January 16, coinciding with Charles' admission for a procedure on an enlarged prostate. Further tests revealed that the King was battling a "form of cancer", while shockingly, doctors also discovered during Kate's post-op tests that the disease had been "present" in her body.
Both the King and Princess took a step back from public duties to focus on their recovery. While the monarch continues to receive weekly treatment, the Princess of Wales announced in October, after eight months of chemotherapy, that she had finally completed her treatment.
Royal insiders have shared that His Majesty King Charles is overjoyed at the thought of spending Christmas with Prince William, the Princess, and their three little ones – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – after a year laden with challenges. Eager to roll out the festive cheer, the King has been getting his Sandringham estate ready for the family's arrival in Norfolk for the holiday season, reports the Mirror.
Over the course of this week, the King has been seen around the estate and main house, engaged in discussions with staff about yuletide preparations.
He took a short trip back to London on Tuesday to adhere to his regular treatment schedule and fulfil royal duties by presenting credentials to overseas ambassadors and high commissioners at Buckingham Palace. However, he hastened back to Sandringham on Wednesday to proceed with the festive arrangements.
A royal source remarked on the King's festive mood, saying: "The King is embracing the Christmas period already and really getting into the spirit. Staff who have seen him this week remarked how happy and healthy he was looking."
Before they gear up for London again come Monday, Charles and the Queen will spend this weekend on the Norfolk estate. The couple has taken such a shine to life there that they've decided on an elongated festive stay, now planning to ring in the New Year in Norfolk.
An associate close to the King commented on his enjoyment of nature, noting: "His Majesty has taken great solace in being among nature and enjoying time outdoors throughout his cancer treatment.
"It's something he believes has helped him incredibly throughout his ordeal. He is very much looking forward to spending quality time with as many of his close family as possible."
Among the attendees will be the King's beleaguered brother, Prince Andrew, despite his withdrawal from official Royal duties in 2019 due to his ties with the late billionaire and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Insiders indicate that the King is adamant about keeping the family together, particularly during the festive season.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their two children, Lady Louise, 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16, are also set to join. The King will preside over the traditional Christmas Eve black-tie dinner where the family exchanges gifts, usually with a humorous twist.
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However, after the King hinted to TV personality Amanda Holden at the Royal Variety Performance last week that he was considering getting a new dog for Christmas following the recent passing of Camilla's cherished Jack Russell Beth, the Queen might be hoping for a new puppy. Charles and Camilla will head to Balmoral in Scotland in early January, while the King will initially undertake some private engagements before resuming public duties a week later.
The Queen, who has been recuperating from a "nasty" chest infection that led her to cancel some duties in recent weeks, will be by her husband's side throughout the holiday and New Year period.
The King and Queen, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, will be at the forefront of a State Visit from the Qatari Royal family on Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition to this, Camilla has a literacy event lined up in London next week, a key aspect of her recent work.
Buckingham Palace has not provided any comments.
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