Inside Prince William and Kate's 2024 Christmas plans with Louis, Charlotte and George

Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly planning to make this Christmas extra special for their three children, following a 'year of heartbreak'

Christmas is a season of love, hope and unity, as well as a time for reflection on the past year and anticipation for the one to come. This sentiment rings true for everyone across the nation, but this festive period will likely hold extra significance for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they aim to create unforgettable memories for their children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. "I think this Christmas and New Year will take on a special significance for all of the royal family, but especially for the King and the Princess of Wales," former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK!

"They have come through what William has described as 'the hardest year of my life' – and it has undoubtedly been an even more brutal year for his father and his wife." When it comes to their children, "it might be their way of saying thank you for bearing up so well during a tough time," says Jennie, heart-warmingly. "Just like so many families with young children, the excitement about Christmas starts early. I've no doubt they will have their heads full of thoughts about Father Christmas loading all sorts of gifts onto his sleigh. Although the Royal Family is not renowned for exchanging extravagant presents, this year surely will be one when they all want to treat one another after so many very difficult months."

Royal expert speculates on the Christmas gifts for the young royals, saying, "I'd imagine there will be some more flying lessons on the cards for George, maybe something to do with Taylor Swift for Charlotte and anything adventurous for little Louis – he's probably at an age when he will be wanting things like a skateboard", reports OK!

Last year's festive season was tough for the Wales family, especially for Kate, who had abdominal surgery on 16 January. "The cancer diagnosis came as a huge shock to the family, and cast a pall over everything this year," the expert adds.

"But now it seems things are looking up and I think there'll be a feeling of real relief as they gather at Sandringham for the festivities."

The bond between King Charles and Princess Kate has grown stronger after their health scares. "There must now be a deep bond between the King and the Princess of Wales after the sad coincidence that they were hospitalised in the same week for what appeared to be benign operations, only for them both to discover that they had cancer," the Royal commentator notes.

"I'm sure there will be moments over Christmas when they will raise a glass to one another."

The festive season is in full swing, and there's a palpable buzz of excitement as the Prince and Princess of Wales take a break from the public eye for some cherished family time. This Christmas, the focus is on intimate moments with their children at Anmer Hall, which holds a special place in their hearts.

"I think it is in their own family home that the Waleses let the kids run riot," chuckles Jennie. "So I think they'll probably be tearing open their stockings and racing around their home at some ungodly hour on Christmas morning – just like kids up and down the country."

William and Kate are known for putting family above all else, often seen enjoying the holiday season to the fullest.

They've treated their children to 'Pantoland' at the London Palladium in 2020 and a magical trip to Lapland UK in Windsor last year. In 2021, William shared a glimpse into their Christmas traditions, revealing, "We play board games with the children a lot. We love Monopoly and Risk – it goes on for hours and usually everyone gets very cross because they lose!"

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe has revealed that William and Kate are keen to keep things relatable with their festive plans. "There's something incredibly down to earth about the way William and Kate are bringing their children up, taking them to the panto and to Christmas carols, like any other kids," he shared.

And it seems the royals are set to enjoy a family-focused Christmas just like households across the nation. "It's clear that over the past year, William, Catherine and the children have formed the tightest cocoon around themselves to get through a seriously tough time," Royal insider Jennie commented.

"I think they will value 'time out' over Christmas when they can just be as normal a family as is possible in their position. And, of course, it may well be that Catherine's parents and maybe other members of her family will join them."

After a challenging year, Duncan suggests that the Cambridges are looking forward to a fresh start. "It's been a lousy year for them. Health has dominated the news agenda and hundreds of royal engagements have been cancelled," he noted.

"Christmas will be an opportunity for the royals to rally together, shut out the rest of the world and focus on what's important."

Echoing Queen Elizabeth II's infamous Annus Horribilis speech from 1992, it's clear that William and Kate are more than ready to bid farewell to their own "horrible year" of 2024 and embrace the holiday cheer.

The Princess of Wales is set to kick off the Royal holiday season with her 'Together At Christmas' carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December, which will be broadcasted on ITV1 come Christmas Eve. This year's theme carries a poignant message, emphasising "the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times in our lives".