William, Kate won't be in Queen's `bubble'
Christmas `will be about what's practical'
LONDON • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are unlikely to be included in the Queen's “Christmas bubble” as their three young children will be considered a risk to their elderly great- grandparents, The Daily Telegraph understands.
The Queen, 94, and Duke of Edinburgh, 99, will be limited to spending the festive period with two other households, just like the rest of the nation, meaning the traditional mass gathering at Sandringham is off the table.
A final decision about who will join Her Majesty is not expected for another few days. The elderly couple are in the most at-risk bracket for coronavirus and have thus far been carefully shielded by what has become known as “HMS bubble,” comprising a vastly reduced staff.
Buckingham Palace doctors will advise the Queen about the most sensible way forward and will be particularly mindful of the Duke's frailty after he was hospitalized just before Christmas last year with a pre-existing condition.
The decision will be made in consultation with all members of the Royal family.
“It will be about what's practical,” a source said, adding that the potential risks surrounding young children who have been mixing with others at school would “clearly” be taken into account.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned families they must make a “personal judgment” about the risks of coronavirus. Although three households can mix from Dec. 23 to 27, the bubble has to remain exclusive, meaning that families cannot shift from one group to another. William and Kate are likely to spend Christmas with the Duchess's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, having spent Christmas at Sandringham for the past three years.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, might similarly want to “bubble up” with her own two children and five grandchildren.
Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex and their two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and James, Viscount Severn, 12, are considered a more likely option to join the Queen, as the older children will be better able to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Prince Harry and Meghan will remain in the U.S.