The Queen led senior royals including Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Diplomatic Corps reception. But Sophie and Prince Edward were absent from the glittering event.

The Wessexes were busy holding a Christmas dinner at their home in Surrey, Hello! reported. 

The festive do at Bagshot House was in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which Edward is involved with, and the Women in Business group, which Sophie chairs.

The Queen and other royals attended the annual palace reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday.

Her Majesty dressed in a lace trimmed Angela Kelly state gown and the Vladimir tiara with emerald and diamond drops.

She wore white gloves and carried a silver handbag.

Kate looked stunning in a navy velvet gown by Alexander McQueen.

She teamed the dress with Princess Diana’s favourite diamond and pearl Lover’s Knot tiara, glittering earrings and a necklace.

Kate also wore her sash and star of the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

She was pictured smiling and talking to guests at the reception.

Camilla opted for a cream embroidered gown by Bruce Oldfield.

Prince Charles’s wife completed the glamorous look with a diamond Boucheron tiara, pearl choker and pearl earrings.

It comes ahead of the royal family’s Christmas in Sandringham.

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The Queen traditionally spends Christmas and the New Year at her country estate in Norfolk.

On Christmas Day, crowds of well-wishers gather to catch a glimpse of the royals attending church.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are skipping Christmas at Sandringham this year.

It is their first Christmas with Archie, who was born in May, and they will spend it with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently taking a break from royal duties after admitting the pressures of royal life in a documentary filmed during their Africa tour.

In a statement released in November, Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’s mother Doria Ragland.

“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”

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