Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attend Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch as Prince Andrew stays away from royal gathering

King Charles and Queen Camilla have welcomed extended members of the British royal family to Buckingham Palace for the annual Christmas lunch.

The traditional event is a chance for the wider family to see each other before everyone goes their own way for the holiday season, with only half attending official celebrations in Sandringham.

However, a number of senior royals skipped the luncheon on Thursday, including Prince Andrew Prince William and Kate.

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In light of scrutiny around the Duke of York's association with an alleged Chinese spy it's understood the Duchess of York convinced Prince Andrew to skip the event.

While Prince Andrew and Fergie weren't at the palace luncheon, their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie both attended with their families.

Pregnant Beatrice arrived with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Christopher "Wolfie" Woolf, who was spotted in the back seat of their Range Rover.

Princess Eugenie's son August was spotted asleep in a Santa hat in the back as she and husband Jack Brooksbank pulled into the grounds of the London palace.

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Host King Charles was the first to arrive, followed a little later by Queen Camilla.

For the past two years, the King had hosted the luncheon at Windsor Castle but this year, he brought it back to the traditional Buckingham Palace.

This year's guests also included the monarch's sister, Princess Anne, and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

His Majesty's youngest brother, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh were among the 70 guests in attendance.

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were also part of the party, along with their recently widowed daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor.

Lady Gabriella's brother Lord Frederick Windsor also attended with his wife, actress Sophie Winkleman, and their daughter, Isabella.

Princess Margaret's daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, and her husband, Daniel Chatto, were also spotted among the arrivals, as was their son, Samuel Chatto.

The Duke of Kent was seen arriving at Buckingham Palace as were his granddaughters Lady Amelia Windsor and her sister, Lady Marina Windsor, who arrived with their dad George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews.

Guests enjoyed organic turkey with all the trimmings at the annual luncheon, complete with dessert, champagne and other wine.

It's understood the luncheon features the traditional crackers, jokes and paper hats but photos from inside the private event are never released.

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