Any royal watcher worth their weight in commemorative teaspoons will tell you that the release of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s, Christmas card is a highly anticipated event.
But in news that has shocked many royal enthusiasts, this year the duo, both 34, have opted out of the cherished tradition.
Confirming the lack of Christmas spirit, a Kensington palace spokesperson said: “They are not releasing a Christmas card this year.”
The shock occurrence has led some to speculate that the absence of tradition could in part be due to the fact that there have already been a number of pubic moments featuring the family this year. Particularly, the official royal tour of Canada where the family spent a total of eight days.
Speaking with Express.co.uk, Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Last year’s card was enchanting so I’m surprised there will be no card this year.”
“One of the reasons Christmas cards are such fun is that the choice of cards tells us a lot about those who send them,” he added.
“Usually those who don’t send them never do. I once knew someone who deliberately sent them every two years.”
“We shall await next year with interest as usually public figures are expected to send them and cards from Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, the world’s most glamorous royal couple, have a special cachet and those who usually receive them will undoubtedly miss them.”
Last year, the much-loved royals used a precious family photo (above) for the Christmas offering. The card featured both Wills and Kate, Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, one. If you look closely, you’ll notice that Charlotte has adorably dropped one of her shoes!
The unexpected departure from tradition is just another in a series of very un-royal Christmas plans.
According to several reports out of the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will forgo royal celebrations with The Queen at Sandringham this year to instead spend time with the Middleton clan on Christmas day.
Prince William and Catherine will take their two kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to their grandparents Michael and Carole’s stunning Bucklebury mansion in Berkshire.
This will be the first Christmas George and Charlotte get to enjoy at the Middletons.
Christmas with the Middletons is a vastly different affair to the Christmas’ that Prince William grew up with.
Unlike the formal royal celebrations, it’s a much more relaxed day with Kate’s loved ones.
Pippa, Kate’s sister, has previously spoken about the family celebration, describing it as “magical” and revealing that her dad always rocks a fancy dress outfit.
One of his favourites includes an inflatable sumo wrestler – and we can just imagine how much George and sweet Charlotte would love that!