Kate Middleton started the holiday season with some quality mother and sister bonding. Earlier this week, the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted having a girls night out with her mother Caroline Middleton and sister Pippa Middleton, Irish Independent reports.
The trio enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Clos Maggiore, a restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine located at 33 King Street in Covent Garden. Kate, Carole and Pippa were seated in a private area of the flower-filled conservatory, away from the public's prying eyes.
However, that's not the only holiday celebration that the Middletons have been up to. Inquistr reports that on Wednesday, Carole and Pippa also supported Prince William for a carol service in Chelsea, Central London organized by Tom Van Straubenzee. The event aims to raise funds for the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, named after Tom's brother who died in a car accident in 2002.
The event is something that's close to Prince William's heart as it is reported that the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Tom and his late brother shared a tight bond, growing up together and being childhood friends.
“We are both delighted to be patrons of Henry’s memorial fund. Each year brings with it more news about the progress that this charity continues to make. This is largely down to the generosity and support of donors, many of whom are here tonight at this, the seventh Christmas carol service," Prince William said during his speech at the fundraising event.
Duchess Kate opted to skip the event to spend time with Prince George and Princess Charlotte at their home at Anmer Hall.
Meanwhile, despite going together for the carol service, there are rumors that Prince William is "furious" at Carole for allegedly forcing the royal couple and their kids to spend Christmas with the Middletons, not following Royal Christmas traditions, per Celeb Dirty Laundry.
In Carole's advice column published on Baby London magazine, the Middleton matriarch seems to be criticizing the British Royal Family's holiday traditions, saying that during the holidays, families should “relax and enjoy baby’s first Christmas. [Babies] won’t remember it, but [the family] will have fond memories.”
But Queen Elizabeth is reportedly not letting Carole get her way again and interfere with the royal family's holiday plans. According to the report, Prince William "has put his foot down" and decided that his family will spend Christmas at Sandringham palace with Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal family.
If this is indeed true, it will be unclear if Carole and the rest of the Middleton clan will be invited at Sandringham.
Will Duchess Kate uphold Royal traditions or will she follow Carole? Will this be the "breaking point" for the royal couple? Share your comments below.
