Kate Middleton shows off pregnancy glow as she attends Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch

Kate Middleton looked happy - and glowing with health - as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for a pre-Christmas celebration

Kate Middleton kicked off her Christmas celebrations early yesterday, as she joined the rest of the royal family at an official pre-Christmas lunch, hosted by the Queen at Buckingham palace.

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was spied being driven to the Queen's London home in a black Range Rover, seemingly in high spirits as she sat in the back seat with a royal protection officer.

KATE MIDDLETON SURPRISES STAFF AT CHRISTMAS PARTY

Arriving in a separate car to Prince William, Kate Middleton looked healthy and happy, exuding a definite pregnancy glow, as she journeyed to Buckingham Palace for the pre-Christmas celebration, wrapped up in a smart black coat.

This marks the Duchess's third appearance in public this week - after attending the Sports Personality of the Year, and her Staff Christmas lunch yesterday - hinting she is well on the way to recovery after the bout of severe morning sickness which left her in hospital.

William and Kate were joined by a host of other royals – including the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Freddie Windsor and wife Sophie Winkleman, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent – at the annual occasion, held ahead of the royal trip to Sandringham over Christmas weekend.

The royals were inside enjoying the pre-Christmas festivities for just two hours, with Princess Eugenie the first to head off, followed by a smiling Prince William and Kate Middleton, who left together.

Later this week, the William and Kate couple are expected to travel to the Sandringham for Kate's second Christmas with the royals.

Traditionally, the family swap small, thoughtful gifts on Christmas eve, with Christmas Day set aside for attending Church, before celebrating with a festive feast.

Although December 25th with be strictly royal family only, it’s thought Kate's sister Pippa and brother James have been invited to join the official shoot on Boxing Day.

Does Kate Middleton have that pregnancy glow? Let us know in the comments box below…

KATE MIDDLETON SURPRISES STAFF AT CHRISTMAS PARTY

KATE MIDDLETON MAKES FIRST POST-PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT APPEARANCE

PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON: ROMANCE IN PHOTOS

LATEST CELEBRITY NEWS