Prince WilliamandKate Middletonhave officially kicked off their holiday celebrations!
Prince William and Kate Middleton at a party in 2018.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince William and Kate Middleton at a holiday party in 2018.Yui Mok/PA Images/Getty
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Stuart C. Wilson/Getty
The event, in partnership with theRoyal British Legioncharity, was held at the palace’s Orangery, just a few hundred yards from where Prince William and Princess Kate live with their childrenPrince George, 5,Princess Charlotte, 3, andPrince Louis, 7 months. The area was decked out with Christmas trees and other decorations – and of course, there was an appearance from Santa Claus!
Yui Mok/PA Images/Getty
Kate gave a speech recalling whenPrince Williamserved as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force.
“As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when a loved one leaves to do the job they trained for,” she said. “When William served in the Falklands or went search and rescue, I remember how it felt. But I can’t imagine how it feel when your loved ones are away on active service during Christmas. The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year or at those special family moments.”
As the royal couple departed, members of their team tossed snowballs to them. William caught one before tossing it back, and Kate caught one as well, holding it as they walked away.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Yui Mok/PA Images/Getty
The tea-time party, complete with entertainers and games, is the start of two days of celebrations to recognize the sacrifices and challenges that armed forces families face at this time of year.
The festivities took place a day before the royal parents fly out to the Royal Air Force base on Cyprus to visit the troops and deliver Christmas cards and gifts from their loved ones back home in the U.K. The royal couple will meet with serving personnel, those living on the base, station staff and members of the local community.
source: people.com
