Prince William and Kate Middleton in Nov. 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare starting 2024 out of the public eye.
Princess Annebecame the first royal to step out for an official engagement in the new year on Thursday when she visited the Oxford Farming Conference in her role as honorary president of the organization.Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, 73, said in a speech that “farming as a family enterprise understands long-term value,” according to Crediton Milling.
Princess Anne is often named thehardest-working royalfor the number of engagements she undertakes each year, and it seems that she won’t be slowing down in 2024.
While Princess Anne is also set to travel to Sri Lanka next week, there have been no outings for Prince William, Princess Kate,King CharlesorQueen Camillayet this year.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, 41, normally don’t have planned royal duties in the first week or two of January. That’s because their three children,Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis, are off from school. William and Kate typically scale back their royal duties to spend time with their kids during school breaks, an example of how they’re raising their children differently than previous generations of royals.
“Those children look pretty happy with life,” a palace insider previously told PEOPLE. “A lot of it is thestabilizing normality Kate brings— and that’s how she grew up. William absolutely loves it.”
George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, are set to return to Lambrook School on Jan. 8.
The Prince and Princess of Wales' family at Christmas 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Last year, Prince William and Princess Kate had theirfirst public engagement of 2023on Jan. 12 amid the release ofPrince Harry’s memoir,Spare.
Princess Kate is likely also celebrating this weekend ahead of her42nd birthdayon Tuesday. While her birthday is usually a private and low-key affair, she traditionally marks the milestone at their country home in Norfolk,Anmer Hall. There, they invite family and friends for a few days of shooting and other country pursuits. Theguest listhas previously included Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, William’s lifelong friendTom van Straubenzeeand his wife Lucy Lanigan-O’Keeffe, James Meade and his wife Laura, neighbor and longtime pal Sophie Snuggs and her husband Robert.
On past birthday weekends, Kate and William have been seenattending massat St. Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where the royal family recently celebrated Christmas.
Kate Middleton and Prince William in Oct. 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
The Prince and Princess of Wales have alreadyfinalized many of their plans for the coming year. There is international travel in sight for the couple, with Rome, Italy,being reportedas their destination.
The royal couple will also forge ahead with their ongoing campaigns – William’sHomewards initiative, which combats homelessness, and Kate’s “Shaping Us” program, which supports early childhood development. Later in the year, Prince William will promote the fourth year of hisEarthshot Prize.
“They’re extremely supportive of each other and each other’s work. William takes huge pride in what Kate’s achieving from an early years perspective and likewise, she’s a huge follower in what the prince has done this year on Homewards and Earthshot,” a palace source recentlytold PEOPLEexclusively.
The royals at Trooping the Colour 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
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They will also continue to support King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76 — both at home and abroad. Their supporting role was evident in November when the couple helpedwelcome the South Korean presidentas he visited the U.K. and when they helpedhost the diplomatic corpsat the annual Buckingham Palace reception.
“She knows the important role the family plays in building relationships globally on behalf of the U.K.,” a royal source added.
source: people.com
