Princess Charlotte to spend first Christmas with Queen Elizabeth

Princess Charlotte will spend her first Christmas with her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the Royal Family as her parents have decided to give their staff a festive break.

Charlotte will join her brother George and parents Prince William and Kate Middleton and 28 other royal guests for Christmas Day lunch at the British monarch's Sandringham home in the east of England. They will also spend the night at the royal residence in Norfolk, just a few miles from their own family home at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate.

Contrary to speculation, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will not be hosting the Middletons on the big day at their home Anmer Hall unlike last year, the Sunday Express reported. The couple decided to give their staff a Christmas holiday and spend a traditional festival with the Queen.

Last year, crowds waiting outside St Mary Magdalene church on the estate on Christmas morning were disappointed not to see Prince George as Kate told onlookers, "I am sorry we did not bring him but you would have heard him in church." This year, however, it is hoped the two-year-old will be there, along with his eight-month-old sister Charlotte.

In a recent interview with 'The Big Issue', William said, "George has suddenly worked out what Christmas is all about. He will be bouncing around like a rabbit." The only member of staff who may have to work is the kids' Spanish nanny Maria Borrallo.