At a Christmas party, Prince William revealed he would be spending Christmas at Sandringham with no fewer than around 45 of his royal relatives – here we take a look at who is likely to have received a coveted invite from King Charles for the celebrations

The Royal Family’s Christmas celebration is always a big affair – and it seems this year, King Charles will be hosting the biggest gathering in years.

The past 12 months have been a tumultuous time for the Firm and will mark the first time the royals have come together en-masse after the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer within days of each other.

Earlier this week, Prince William hinted at just how big the festivities are shaping up to be telling guests at a party he will be celebrating the big day with around 45 relatives. Last month, the King travelled to Sandringham, where the royals traditionally celebrate the big day, to see how his Norfolk home is being prepared for the big day.

William, Kate and their children at Sandringham last Christmas ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
A royal insider said at the time: “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.”

However, two royals who are not expected at the big bash are the King’s estranged son Prince Harry, wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It was revealed earlier this month that they will not be returning to the UK for Christmas as they have not received an invite for this year’s get-together at Sandringham, according to a source close to the couple. But who is expected to be there on the big day? Here we take a look…

Prince Andrew and Fergie walk to church on Christmas Day last year ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Of course, the two main guests will be the King, who is hosting his third Christmas at Sandringham since taking the throne, and Queen Camilla. Joining them will be the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Royal sources previously told the Mirror how the King is ‘delighted’ to have William and Kate and their three confirmed for Christmas.

Also expected are Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and their two children Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, the Earl of Wessex, who turns 17 next week. The King’s trusted lieutenant Princess Anne is expected along with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Meanwhile, the King’s embattled brother Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Fergie are expected with sources suggesting the King has underlined his commitment to having the family united, especially over the Christmas period.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, with her two children Lady Louise and James, the Earl of Wessex ( 
Image:
UK Press via Getty Images)Other guests include the King’s nieces and nephews as well as their families. That means invites are expected to have been extended to Zara and Mike Tindall and their three children Mia, Lena and Lucas, as well as Peter Phillips and his two daughters – and possibly even his new girlfriend Harriet Sperling.

Pregnant Princess Beatrice, husband Edo and daughter Sienna are expected as are Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank as well as their young sons August and Ernest. Meanwhile, in a royal first, it has been hinted that Queen Camilla’s family will also be on hand to join the celebrations.

In an interview, Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles confirmed his mum had requested that he and his family also join in with the royal gathering this year. This would mean invitations for Tom and his children Lola and Freddie as well as for Camilla’s daughter Laura, her husband Harry and their three kids Eliza, Gus and Louis.

It is expected the rest of the guest list will be made up of other royals including the King’s cousin Sarah Chatto, the daughter of Princess Margaret, and her husband Daniel and sons Samuel and Arthur.

Margaret’s son Earl Snowdon is also likely to have been invited alongside his children Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones and Charles, Viscount Linley. Other royals that could be there include the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Lady Gabriella Windsor.