King Charles is hoping to spend more time with Prince Harry's children after he spent only a few occasions since he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The 76-year-old monarch is understood to have mostly seen Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet while the Duke and Duchess lived in the UK. The King is also believed to have met his granddaughter in 2022, with that being their only meeting.
But a source said there is "no better time" for a reunion to take place over the Christmas period.
A source told Mirror US: "King Charles has expressed his wishes to see his grandchildren - and there's no better time than the festive period to bring families together. There is no feeling like being a grandparent and it is a role King Charles relishes.
"It is his hope for his family to be reunited and there's no better way than spending quality time with his grandchildren at Christmas. It would be truly special."
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Prince Harry's cheeky Christmas gift for late Queen
Prince Harry is spending Christmas away from his royal relatives and will no doubt reflect on the time shared with his beloved grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke of Sussex previously spoke fondly of a cheeky gift he chose for the late Queen that amused her no end, so much so that she displayed it "proudly at one of her favourite Royal residences.
Harry excelled at getting the Queen a gag gift that appealed to her well-known sense of humour.
The hilarious gift in question was a singing fish. The late Queen apparently loved it so much that it still hangs "proudly in Balmoral" - per Finding Freedom, a book about Harry and Meghan released in 2020.
Read more: Prince Harry's cheeky Christmas gift for late Queen that she was obsessed with
Prince William 'makes everyone cross' with Christmas game he plays with kids
Prince William loves nothing more than cracking out a board game to play alongside his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But William admitted there's one game they all love - although it often leaves them "very cross."
William made the admission during a special chat in 2021 with Radio Marsden, a radio station that specialises in cancer care.
Speaking to a boy called Henry, he said: "Henry, we are playing board games with the children quite a lot. We love Monopoly, that's good and Risk, have you played Risk before? That's a good board game, it goes on for hours and usually, everyone gets very cross because they lose. But that's what I like playing."
Read more: Prince William 'makes everyone cross' with Christmas game he plays with George and Charlotte
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry scrutiny skillfully avoided by King Charles with big speech decision
A Royal expert reckons King Charles smartly dodged the intense scrutiny over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by opting to record this year's Christmas speech away from Buckingham Palace. For the first time in years, the revered Christmas address was delivered from Fitzrovia Chapel, London, breaking tradition with the usual Royal backdrops.
Author Robert Hardman suggests the fresh location might just spare the monarch from the fierce dissection of pictures seen in prior speeches. Royal commentators are known to pick apart the displayed portraits, often sparking debates when Harry and Meghan's photos don't make the cut.
Queen Elizabeth II's use of a "gold" piano sparked backlash online as she spoke of "generosity and sacrifice". The instrument had been gilded in the 19th century by Queen Victoria.
Hardman writes: "By avoiding a royal desk or sitting room, the King has also avoided any micro -analysis of whichever royal photographs and portraits are in shot, and thus hinting at who is (or is not) in royal favour. The Fitzrovia Chapel reveals nothing more tantalising than a Christmas tree decorated with 'sustainable' decorations."
Beatrice joins family at Sandringham after changing plans on medical advice
Princess Beatrice joined other members of the royal family at Sandringham on Christmas Day after changing her travel plans due to medical advice.
Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child in early spring and were due to spend the festive period overseas with his parents.
Instead, the couple were at the King’s Norfolk estate attending the Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church after being advised not to travel long distances.
Beatrice’s father the Duke of York was not present at the service amid the controversy surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy.
Her second child will be a sibling for the couple’s three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s son and Beatrice’s stepson, eight-year-old Christopher Woolf, known as Wolfie.
'King Charles' hidden message in emotional speech speaks volumes about future'
In a year where both he and his daughter-in-law were diagnosed with cancer, enduring months of treatment, Charles’ mindset and focus on the future has pulled him through the dark days, writes the Mirror's Royal Editor, Russell Myers.
"As the year draws to a close the festive period is for many a time of reflection.
"For the King, delivering his third annual Christmas message, how telling that he chose to honour the kindness and sacrifice of others who have aided both him and the country in testing times.
"It is both a testament to himself and the way in which he envisages his reign, that positivity will always shine through adversity.
"In a year where both he and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer within days of each other, enduring months of treatment, Charles’ mindset and focus on the future has pulled him through the dark days.
"Earlier this month, the princess wrote in the letter to those attending her Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey that “love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times”.
"That feeling of hope and optimism shown by both is what united communities around the country besigned by violence and protest, in the wake of the horrific murders of three schoolgirls in Southport.
"Charles’ address from a community church, once attached to a hospital and acted as a place of solace for those in the medical profession which now exists for people of all faiths, is the embodiment to what can be achieved and enjoyed when people pull together.
"This is the “pride” the King spoke of while honouring those who came out in force to face down such ugly scenes this summer.
"At 76-years-old and continuing to battle cancer, Charles is a man acutely aware his time on the throne may be limited.
"As a messenger for hope and kindness above all else, his legacy is already being set."
Prince Harry 'has now been substituted for Prince George' as Royals return to Christmas tradition
Prince Harry "has now been substituted for Prince George" as the future King and his dad Prince William joined back up with a Christmas tradition they had been absent from in recent years, it is claimed.
Monarch-in-waiting Prince William and his footie-loving son Prince George made a smashing duo during a pre-Christmas match, delighting onlookers with their first ever joint appearance on the field.
The pair were part of the traditional friendly game between Sandringham estate workers and villagers, while Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis cheered from the side.
And a royal insider claimed "it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George".
Prince George is flying
Football is not the only hobby picked up by George in recent months. The young prince took to the skies for the first time this year as he completed a flying lesson near his home in Windsor, aged just 11.
His first airborne experience was at White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead in Berkshire, just a stone's throw from Adelaide Cottage, on the last day before his return to school. His mother and father, the Prince and Princess of Wales were there to support him for his big moment.
George replaces Harry in traditional game
The source added: “There were other children playing and it was all good fun and light-hearted.
"It is nice that they have returned to take part in the traditional game as they haven’t done so for years.
"But it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George.”
Prince George joins dad Prince William for first time in royal tradition
Footy fanatic Prince George joined his dad Prince William on the pitch for the first time to play in a traditional pre-Christmas match.
The pair played in the same team during the annual game between Sandringham estate workers and nearby villagers, as the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, rallied at the sidelines to cheer them on.
According to an insider, William almost scored a goal as George ran around the pitch energetically in what onlookers called “healthy father-and-son bonding time”.
Louis breaks strict royal tradition during annual Christmas Day walkabout
Prince Louis was seen sporting smart trousers during this morning's Christmas Day walkabout, breaking away from the traditional shorts usually worn by Royal youngsters.
The six year old was spotted alongside his mother, Princess Kate, and his older siblings, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine. The children charmingly waved to members of the public who braved the cold morning to greet them.
Royal tradition typically dictates that boys under seven must wear shorts for public engagements. However, it seems his parents are adopting a more relaxed approach to protocol, as Louis, who turned six in April, also wore trousers last Christmas.
Royal Family's 'boring' dinner and 'ladies' breakfasts as favourite Christmas foods revealed
The royal family are associated with opulence, palaces, multi-million pound jewels and huge banquets – but at Christmas they are very traditional.
There will be no lavish menu or exotic dishes, in fact, it is quite likely that they will be eating what many families in Britain will enjoy at home. For a kick-off, their festivities begin on Christmas Eve. Family members invited to Sandringham will be allocated staggered arrival times and as with public engagements, times reflects status – junior members arrive first and the most senior members last.
Royals' favourite Christmas foods - from 'boring' dinner to 'ladies' breakfast'
'Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary surprised me so much I changed my opinion of them'
Matt Dawson once admitted that a single line from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix documentary shifted his stance on the Royal couple.
Despite being better known for his successful rugby career than his Royal commentary, the 52-year-old former England scrum-half was drawn into the docuseries about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. But he quickly found that his preconceived notions about them began to unravel as he delved into their story.
The explosive documentary attracted global attention, with millions streaming it online once the six-part series was released in December 2022. In a fascinating interview that same month, Dawson revealed how his views dramatically transformed after watching the controversial show.
'Harry and Meghan Netflix doc surprised me so much I changed my opinion of them'
King Charles 'isn't fond of' Christmas Day habit and deems to be quite rude
The Christmas season for the Royal Family is pretty different than it is for the rest of us - there are quite a few unusual customs that make up the royal festive season, that most of us would likely hesitate to incorporate into our family traditions.
From getting weighed upon their arrival, to the children eating in an entirely different room to the adults, Christmas for the Windsors is filled with arcane traditions. One, very common, Christmas past-time is reported to be banned during the festive celebrations for the royals, and this is likely because King Charles doesn't approve of it much.
There is no mooching about in their PJs and settling in on the sofa to watch the Christmas television for the royals, except, of course, for the King's Christmas message, which they all reportedly sit down together to watch. Television is said to be one of the banned activities during the festive season, with the royals instead opting to spend time together outdoors.
King Charles 'isn't fond of' Christmas Day habit and deems to be quite rude
What is the royal family doing right now?
While most Brit families snuggle up at home for the Doctor Who Christmas Special and the latest Wallace and Gromit flick, the royals will have gathered together in Sandringham.
There, former royal chef Darren McGrady told Tatler, the Firm will share a turkey buffet. The buffet begins when the senior chef on duty "goes into the dining room and carves the rib roast or turkey or ham". He added that, once the chef is done, the monarch presents the chef with a glass of whisky and they toast.
The chef concluded: "That’s the only time the chef goes into the dining room and has a glass of whiskey with the Royal Family. It’s one of the chef’s favourite traditions."
Mystery over Queen Camilla's missing family on Christmas Day walk to church solved
Queen Camilla's family were expected to join her and King Charles for a Sandringham Christmas, for the first time ever this year.
However, many were left baffled when the 77-year-old's children, Tom and Laura and, her five grandchildren, were not among the royal party who took part in the traditional walk to church this morning. Camilla led the way to church with her husband the King, while following behind were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Mystery over Queen Camilla's missing family on Christmas walk to church solved
Charlotte and Louis receive mountain of gifts from crowds queuing outside church
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were all smiles at Sandringham on Christmas morning as they accepted gifts from crowds who gathered at the Norfolk estate overnight.
The three young Royals, Prince George, 11 and Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, walked away with bouqets of flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals as they joined the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the King and Queen for the special Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
Prince Louis grinned as he took home a mountain of gifts from members of the public - including a box of Cadbury's chocolates, Christmas crackers and an assortment of stuffed toys. Princess Charlotte and Prince George also kindly accepted their gifts, waving and smiling to crowds as they stood alongside their father, Prince William.
Charlotte and Louis receive mountain of gifts from crowds queuing outside church
King breaks tradition with emotional message for himself and Kate in Xmas speech
The King has paid tribute to the medical staff who provided "strength, care and comfort" during cancer treatment for himself and the Princess of Wales.
In his Christmas Day message, Charles praised the “selfless” medical teams, offering his "heartfelt thanks" to everyone who had supported him and his family "through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness". In an unusual step, the monarch chose to record his third annual festive address from a church which used to provide a place of solace for doctors and nurses at a London hospital and now acts as a place of reflection for people of all faiths.
After a tumultuous year for the royal family and the country, Charles spoke of his "deep sense of pride" at how communities across the UK responded to the riots following the fatal Southport stabbings of three young girls, by repairing "not just buildings, but relationships".
King breaks tradition with emotional message for himself and Kate in Xmas speech
King Charles Christmas Day 2024 speech in full as nation pauses to listen
King Charles has used his Christmas Day speech to thank those who have supported him as he was treated for cancer this year.
In the pre-recorded message, delivered this year from the Fitzrovia Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, he said he wanted to offer his "heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed".
King Charles Christmas Day 2024 speech in full as nation pauses to listen
Royal Family's Christmas menu revealed - from Queen's 'favourite' dish to King's rules
From the grand Tudor feasts to Edwardian dinner tables laden with delicacies, banquets have always been a staple of Royal life. A guest at Queen Victoria's Christmas feast once described a "mighty sight": 50 turkeys roasting in the kitchen, a massive slab of beef and a woodcock pie made from 100 birds.
The modern menu may be more modest, but the setting for Christmas lunch remains just as grand. If numbers permit, the royals dine in Sandringham's green dining room. "It's all done so beautifully," shares Royal expert Ingrid Seward. "There's a long mahogany table and the room is adorned with exotic arrangements of flowers and ferns, in Victorian style.
The finest crystal is brought up from the glass pantry and the china from the china cellar – as far as Charles is concerned, what's the point in having all this fancy stuff if it's not used?".
Royal Family's Christmas menu revealed - from Queen's 'favourite' dish to King's rules
Weather was particularly mild for the Royal Family's walk to church
The King, Queen and other members of the Royal family attended the morning church service in Sandringham in mild, dry weather.
It was welcomed by well-wishers waiting to greet them. They were content to see the Met Office describe this year as a "green Christmas" with no snow or frost expected anywhere in the country.
Tom Morgan, a meteorologist with the team, said: "Great news if you do have travel plans over the next few days, no weather warnings are expected, no disruptive weather - but, as I say, not great news if you want a festive feel and certainly no snow or frost on the way. Certainly no snow expected anywhere in the UK - so it will be a green Christmas."
Princess Beatrice's plans changed due to medical advice
Princess Beatrice joined other members of the royal family at Sandringham on Christmas Day after changing her travel plans due to medical advice.
Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child in early spring and were due to spend the festive period overseas with his parents.
Instead, the couple were at the King's Norfolk estate attending the Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church after being advised not to travel long distances.
Kate poignantly hugs OAP with cancer after own 'brutal' year with disease
The Princess of Wales gave a poignant hug to a cancer patient following the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day church service after her own "brutal" year with the disease.
Kate, alongside her husband Prince William and their children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – joined King Charles and Queen Camilla as they walked the short distance from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church, past a crowd of well-wishers.
Some had camped overnight to catch a glimpse of the royals walking to church in Norfolk. Following the service, which lasted about 45 minutes, Kate chatted to 73-year-old Karen Maclean from North Lincolnshire, who said she had had "20 years of cancer". And in a poignant moment, the pair shared a hug with Karen also chatting to the King about his experience.
Kate poignantly hugs OAP with cancer after own 'brutal' year with disease
Princess Beatrice wore a coat from the Net-A-Porter
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi also attended the church service at Sandringham.
Beatrice wore a coat from the Net-A-Porter for The King's Foundation collection, designed by students from the foundation's modern artisan education programme.
The programme, run by the foundation and fashion retailer Net-A-Porter, trains emerging designers and makers to create capsule collections of luxury and sustainable clothing staples.
Beatrice visited The King's Foundation's Future Textiles exhibition at the Garrison Chapel in November which included work by the modern artisan programme students.
Members of the royal family made their way back to Sandringham House after speaking to well-wishers, with Kate spending the longest time chatting with the crowds.
Kate Middleton's subtle gesture on triumphant Christmas return to spotlight says it all
The Princess of Wales emotionally joined the royals for church on Christmas morning in a triumphant return where she was bombarded with gifts and flowers.
As King Charles led the royals to church for their traditional Christmas Day service with Queen Camilla by his side, they were immediately followed by Prince William, Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. William walked hand in hand with Charlotte, and Kate who wore a green Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat and hat, smiled at the crowds, as she held hands with Louis. Christmas comes at the end of a highly challenging year for the Wales family following Kate's cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.
And according to body language expert Judi James, it was one gesture as the family walked to church that showed Kate's true feelings about her return for Christmas. She told the Mirror: "Kate's small beret hat allowed a full view of her face, which in turn showed off that authentic, congruent, dimpled smile rather than her perfect royal version."
Kate Middleton's subtle gesture on triumphant Christmas return to spotlight says it all
Pensioner has 'little talk about cancer' with King Charles
Karen Maclean, from North Lincolnshire, spoke with both Charles and Kate and gave the princess a hug.
The 73-year-old, who is retired, said she had had "20 years of cancer" and spoke about the disease with the King and his daughter-in-law after their own health issues this year.
"We just had a little talk about cancer, really," said Ms Maclean.
"I've met the King before. He said to me 'I can remember you', I'm thinking 'what!', like many years ago?"
She said that Charles and Kate seemed "very well actually, considering what they're going through".
She added after hugging Kate: "What a privilege."
Members of the public handed orders of service
Members of the public who gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham listened to the service and were handed orders of service so they could follow along.
After the service, which lasted around 45 minutes, members of the royal family spoke to some of the visitors.
Royal Family's Christmas dinner traditions
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, there is a "Victorian" approach to the children's meals.
He said: "The children always ate in the nursery until they were old enough to conduct themselves properly at the dining table," adding that "for the Queen, there was never a case of putting a high chair at the table".
So the little ones like Prince Louis will likely not be enjoying their Christmas dinner with the senior royals yet.
Read the Mirror's Royal Feature Writer Jennifer Newton's full story here as she explains more Christmas Day highlights at the royal dinner.
George looks very grown-up on Christmas church visit as fans notice same thing
A very grown-up Prince George walked proudly with his parents and the rest of the Royal Family to church on Christmas morning.
The 11-year-old looked much taller as he walked alongside his dad Prince William to church in Sandringham with the royal party led by King Charles and Queen Camilla. William also clutched the hand of Princess Charlotte, nine, while Prince Louis, aged six, held the hand of his mum, Kate.
Royal fans couldn't help but notice the same thing when it came to George and his siblings and their very co-ordinated outfits. Kate wore a deep green Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat, along with a matching coloured hat and a tartan scarf.
George looks very grown-up on Christmas church visit as fans notice same thing
'It’s been a very difficult year for the monarchy'
One familiar face was absent from the traditional scene outside St. Mary Magdalene Church: Prince Andrew.
While Andrew has said he never discussed anything sensitive with the suspected Chinese spy and that he ceased contact with the man as soon as concerns were raised, the scandal raises further questions about his judgment and distracts from the work of the royal family, said Ed Owens, author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?’’
“The reason why this is a problem for the king is simply that the king is trying to rebrand the monarchy at the moment, centering its focus around him, but also around William, Catherine, what they are trying to do,” Owens said.
“It’s been a very difficult year for the monarchy, not least because of the two cancer diagnoses. And all the positive headlines that the king has been trying to generate of late, unfortunately, are overshadowed by the behaviour, the reckless behaviour, of his younger brother, who once again finds himself in the headlines.”