Kate Middleton and Prince William join Royal Family for Christmas celebrations

Kate Middleton leaving hospital

(Image credit: Rex Features)

published 28 December 2012

Duke and Duchess broke from tradition and spent Christmas day with Middleton family

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have finally joined the Royal Family for belated Christmas celebrations- after breaking from tradition and spending the festivities with the Middleton family.

KATE MIDDLETON'S SWEET PREGNANCY TREAT REVEALED!

After opting for a low-key Christmas at her family's £4.85 million home in Berkshire, expectant mum Kate Middleton and Prince William have now joined the Royals' annual get-together at Sandringham House, the Queen's private estate in Norfolk.

Kate and Wills left the Middleton abode early on Boxing Day, with Scotland Yard protection officers driving them three and a half hours so they could make Prince Phillip's annual pheasant shoot.

While William, 30, was keen to join his grandfather and relatives for the hunt, Kate is believed to have stayed indoors with the Queen, before they all met up again for a hearty lunch at Wood Farm, a small lodge on the 20,000 acre estate.

Also joining the Royal brigade was Prince Charles, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex- but one noticeable absentee was Prince Harry who is celebrating Christmas with the troops in Afghanistan. (could.not.love.him.more.)