The Sweetest Detail About Charlotte and George at the Queen's Christmas Lunch
Mike Tindall shared Christmas lunch details from Buckingham Palace. Among the revelations is the fact that kids get their own separate kids' table for the event.


- As spotted by HELLO!, Mike Tindall shared Christmas lunch details from Buckingham Palace.
- Among the new revelations is the fact that the kids (including Princess Charlotte and Prince George) get their own separate kids' table for the event.
- We got to see a glimpse of the kids (Louis' face is adorbs) as they arrived and departed.
When we got pictures from the car of Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis headed to and from Queen Elizabeth's annual Christmas lunch earlier this month, it sparked fans (read: my) yearly questions about the event. How many people are there? Are the kiddos running around or do they have to behave? What kind of food is served?? Well, I have great news: the husband of Zara Tindall (she's Princess Anne's daughter and Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter) has answers for us.
Mike Tindall, who seems hilarious BTW, shared details of the special day on JOE UK's House of Rugby podcast (which HELLO! reported). "I didn’t drink actually, this is the other one, the family lunch there must be about 70 of us there—there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on Prince Charles’ table. It was lovely, really good."
So even in the Royal Family, there's a kids' table! I love this. George always looks like he's about to burst into some mischief, so I'm sure a separate table helps with that.
Around the same time last year, Tindall also commented about the quality of the food (shocking no one, it's really yummy). "Yeah it is good. So Christmas Day is a little more quiet because it's actually a cold buffet because they give everyone the day off, and their big day is Christmas Eve." Apparently the family sits down together to watch the Queen's speech "with a little glass of something." I looove this detail. Can you imagine clustered around the TV watching your mom/granny/aunt deliver a speech to millions of people? Because I cannot.
The detail of a separate kids' table is also really nice in light of the fact that Charlotte and George made their walk to Sandringham debut this year and looked a bit tired (apparently they might have had an early start to the morning?):
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
So I love that the royal duties don't necessarily come all at once.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine
My results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Shares Photos of Archie and Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Opens Up About George, Charlotte, and Louis
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Reveals Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Have Such Different Personalities
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
This Royal Child Has Left Siblings Behind With Staggering 900% Popularity Jump
Google searches have skyrocketed for this member of the Royal Family.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Secretly Spent Easter With Princess Kate's Parents
The little royals were spotted in Sandringham, and hot cross buns were allegedly involved.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Kate Middleton "Lets Louis Run Wild," But Not Prince George and Princess Charlotte
"Louis has won the hearts of many people with his antics."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Resurfaced 1992 Photo Reveals Princess Charlotte Has a Royal Lookalike in Princess Diana's Niece
"The Spencer genes are so strong."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Will Prince Louis be Granted a Title from Dad Prince William That's "Tainted With Sadness"—or Will He Get a Dukedom at All?
Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk tells 'Marie Claire' what Prince Louis and Prince George's future titles could look like.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George Looks Just Like a Young Prince William During Fun Night Out with His Dad and Billionaire Godfather
The 11-year-old joined his father and the Duke of Westminster for an exciting football match in Birmingham.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Louis Will Soon Be Allowed a Special Privilege That Prince George and Princess Charlotte Already Have
The youngest Wales child will turn 7 on April 23.
By Kristin Contino