Kate Middleton may spend Christmas away from Royal family

Britain's Duchess Catherine may not spend Christmas with the rest of the royal family.

The 30-year-old duchess - who is currently expecting her first child with husband Prince William - is still suffering from severe morning sickness so is planning to spend the festive period with her parents in Berkshire, South East England, rather than accompany her husband's family to the royal estate of Sandringham in Norfolk, East England.

A source told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, "As things stand, Catherine and her family do not feel confident about her going to Norfolk. They would rather that she stays a quick drive away from hospital."

However, William is said to be unsure whether to spend Christmas Day  with his wife - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage - or join the rest of his family at Sandringham, though he will spend part of the festive period there.

The source added, "William will probably go to Sandringham, but they are not sure whether he will go for Christmas Day or later in the holiday."

A royal aide said it is currently "too early" to know which royals will be spending Christmas at Sandringham.

They added to The Sun newspaper, "The only Royal Family we would definitely say are staying are the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh."