The Duchess teamed her cherry-red dress with a pair of striking chandelier earrings. Maria Theresa Borrallo is seated behind
His brother Harry arrived seated beside his formidable looking close protection officer but, ever charming, was all smiles as he was driven past waiting photographers.
The Queen's annual pre-Christmas lunch is a royal tradition and allows her to catch up with more distant relations, who are not invited to join her at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on the 25th.
All of the senior royals, among them Prince Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex are expected at the country estate on Christmas Day and appear alongside the monarch at the traditional Christmas morning church service.
One member of the Royal Family who appeared to be particularly looking forward to his lunch was Prince George, who was driven into the Palace beside his nanny, Maria Theresa Borrallo in the back of his parents' car.
George, who was adorably smiley as he peered out of the window, is due to celebrate his second Christmas at Sandringham next week - and his last as an only child.
The 16-month-old royal and his parents are also due to relocate to Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate where an extended nursery big enough for two babies has been prepared.
George's new sibling is due in April and will live with his or her parents and older brother at the Norfolk property. The little prince will also have to share his nanny, who is expected to help care for the new arrival.
Carole and Michael Middleton, who have spent a considerable amount of time with Prince George over the last year, are also expected to take a hand in raising the new arrival and will join the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Anmer Hall on Boxing Day.
On their way: Timothy Taylor, Lady Helen Taylor and their daughter Estella arrive for the lunch party
Big arrival: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent drove in with their festively-dressed daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor
The festive lunch party was completed by Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel
Cheerful: The princess, who boasted hair glossy enough to rival Kate's, was another member of the family who seemed to be in good spirits
Hard-working: The Princess Royal is recently returned from trips to Canada, Ethiopia and Tanzania among others
Ready to eat: Prince Edward drove himself to the event and arrived with his close protection officer seated beside him
Tight security: Prince Harry was seated beside a formidable-looking protection officer for the ride to Buckingham Palace
Peter Phillips arrived with his Canadian wife, Autumn Kelly, who looked delighted to be at the lunch
Equally cheerful was Canadian Autumn Kelly, the blonde wife of Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips, who offered waiting members of the public a wave as she flashed past.
Princess Anne and the Earl of Wessex were also at the luncheon, as was Anne's husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence who, unusually, arrived for the event on foot.
Others invited to join the party included Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, their daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and a fresh-faced Princess Beatrice who smiled happily as she was driven in.
Who's who? The police guarding the Buckingham Palace gates needed a crib sheet to identify more obscure members of the family
Senior royals to attend the event included Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge
Source: the Mail
Source: the Mail
