Apart from Meghan and Harry, who live overseas, the Prince and Princess of Wales did not attend the royal dinner.

They and their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, were absent that day for a family gathering.

They are believed to have been staying at their country house at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

King Charles III, Kate and William / Photo: Getty Images

Meanwhile, many other members of the royal family attended the Christmas dinner in Windsor, which was the biggest royal family gathering since Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.

However, on Christmas Eve, the whole family will gather in Sandringham, where they will attend a celebratory service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Also on December 24, it is expected that the public will be shown the first Christmas speech by King Charles III, who will congratulate his subjects on the upcoming holidays.

Prince William with his family in Sandringham / Photo: Associated Press

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