• The annual royal Christmas luncheon was held this week
  • Prince William and Princess Kate were noticeably absent
  • They reportedly had plans other than the traditional lunch

No one saw this coming! Of all people, Prince William and Princess Kate did not appear at the traditional Christmas lunch with King Charles at Windsor Castle. 

At the luncheon, members of the British Royal Family, invited by the monarch, get together ahead of the bigger Christmas celebrations. 

This time, however, Kate, William, and their children stayed away from the event.

Revealed: Why William and Kate didn't join the royals

Among the other invited guests who did appear were Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence, and Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex with their children. 

More trouble with the royals? Probably not: It seems travel-related reasons are to blame for William and Kate's absence. 

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As Hello! reports, the couple may have decided to stay at Anmer Hall in Norfolk – now that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are finally on vacation. 

Anmer Hall is popularly used as a Christmas retreat by the family of five. King Charles also invites guests to the nearby Sandringham Estate over the holidays. 

In any case, Kate, William, and the kids are expected to eventually make it to Sandringham, where they'll attend the annual Christmas service.

See more in the video above.