Prince William 'enjoying a new version of Christmas', as he noticeably ignores the Sussexes after annus horribilis

Prince William says he's, 'enjoying a new version of Christmas,' in a positive message despite the royal family's pared-down Christmas

Prince William ice skating
(Image credit: WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

Prince William says he's, "enjoying a new version of Christmas," as the royal family rounds off a woeful year with cancelling their usual traditions.


Prince William is staying positive, days after the Queen cancels Christmas lunch with the royal family amid a huge surge in Omicron cases.

During an appearance on hospital radio, as president of the Royal Marsden cancer hospital, he opened up about his Christmas plans this year and what he looks forward to most.

Speaking candidly on the radio show Prince William revealed his secret festive obsession, as one of the many answers he gave to young patients who had an opportunity to speak with the future King. 

As well as this hidden interest, the royal also addressed his plans for the festive season and his appreciation for the new way in which he celebrates Christmas now he's a father.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge with their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, attend a special pantomime performance

(Image credit: Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The family all meeting up on Christmas Day was, “always lovely because we’re quite spread out doing our own things all the time during the year and so we get very few moments to actually come together," said the Prince.

The Duke of Cambridge, who has three children, values the time spent with the next generation of royals. Although the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will stay in US as Queen celebrates first Christmas without Prince Philip means it's unlikely Archie and Lilibet will get to play with their cousins over the yuletide period.

“When I see my children meet up with my cousins’ children, they will have a wonderful time playing together. It’s very special. So I look forward to that a lot."

The Prince's reference to his cousins' children, as opposed to his own niece and nephew, echoes claims of Kate Middleton’s heartbreak at seeing Prince William so ‘distraught’ amid Sussex rift rumors.

But despite this, he's making the most of it. After all, the new generation of royals are all 'good friends' says Mike Tindall.

"And obviously Christmas is a new dynamic once you have children," he continued, "suddenly it’s a whole different ball game of noise and excitement. So now I’m enjoying a new version of Christmas in my life."

Aoife Hanna
Junior News Editor

Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.

Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.

Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.

Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.