For many, the lead up to Christmas can be busier than the day itself – well, at least it is where the royals are concerned.
The British royal family have been spotted making their grand entrance into Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s annual pre-Christmas lunch, which is held every year for the extended members of her family.
And we don’t use the term ‘extended’ lightly – we’re talking the usual suspects Prince William and Duchess Catherine with their young tots, then Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of course, then come the Yorks, the Countess of Wessex… the list goes on.
Lucky for us, we caught a glimpse of all the royal guests as they entered via car, and they’re a sight to behold.
William and Kate arrived at Buckingham Palace with their brood in tow. (Image: Getty)
Prince William drove his family into the Palace, with Kate, wearing a bright pink dress, sitting shotgun while George and Charlotte were visible from the back seat sitting beside their nanny Maria Turrion Borrallo.
Looks like young Prince Louis was deemed a little to young to join the festivities this year!
Young Prince Louis wasn’t in sight, but the Cambridges looked full of anticipation as they arrived for the Queen’s lunch. (Image: Getty)
That face! George looked slightly bemused as the famous family were snapped entering Buckingham Palace. (Image: Getty)
Then came Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, with the stylish mum-to-be opting for a dark printed ruffle neck Erdem dress in a flattering yellow and green print.
With her hair worn loose and donning minimal makeup, the Duchess looked radiant – particularly given the busy week she’s had visiting a nursing home in London just yesterday.
During the engagement, to which she wore a fitted white floral dress that showed her burgeoning baby bump in all its glory, Meghan told a guest that she felt “very pregnant” that day!
For the Queen’s pre-chirstmas lunch, the Duchess also opted to wear something she rarely has before – black opaque tights!
The risque royal is known for making some bold fashion choices that have tested royal protocol – her lack of tights being one of them – but it seems she’s well and truly jumped on board as the chilly English winter sets in!
Duchess Meghan was glowing as she arrived at the event with husband Harry driving her in. (Image: Getty)
The royal parents-to-be smiled at onlookers as they made their way through the crowds outside the Palace. (Image: Rex)
And in an interesting turn of events, Meghan’s Erdem dress isn’t actually new to her wardrobe – she wore the style back in 2016, before she was a royal, during an appearance on The Today Show.
Seems like Meghan is taking a leaf out of Kate’s book when it comes to recycling!
Meghan wore the flattering Erdem dress during a previous television appearance in 2016. (Image: NBC)
And while Meghan is brand new into the royal fold, this isn’t her first time attending the Queen’s pre-Christmas lunch.
In a royal first, Meghan was invited to attend the elusive event last year, despite the general “no ring, no bring” rule.
Joining the Cambridges and Sussexes this year was Prince Charles, who was driven into the Palace by a chauffeur.
Meanwhile the Yorks were represented by Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice, who arrived in separate cars.
It’s been a rather big year for the Yorks as well, with Princess Eugenie marrying her long time partner Jack Brooksbank in a royal wedding that was broadcast live to the masses in October.
Princess Beatrice also recently went public with her new beau, millionaire Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
While he didn’t score an invite to the event this year, all things going well he might make the cut next year going by what Beatrice’s friends are saying.
“Things are moving very quickly and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they got engaged within a short period of time,” a source told The Sun of the new couple.
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Beatrice wore her red hair styled back in a headband with a tartan printed coat. (Image: Rex)
Meanwhile Prince Andrew drove himself into the event. (Image: Rex)
Other guests to join the Queen on Wednesday included the Countess of Wessex, her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, Mike and Zara Tindall, Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence.
The occasion will allow the family to catch up together before the Queen heads to Sandringham where she will be joined by her immediate family members. She then spends the weeks following Christmas in Norfolk and returns to London around February.
70-year-old Prince Charles was driven via chauffeur into Buckingham Palace. (Image: Rex)
Zara and husband Mike Tindall were also among the royal guests. (Image: Rex)
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