Kate Middleton and Prince William's royal Christmas plans will be a welcome "distraction," capping off one of the couple's "most challenging" years as they prepare to ascend the throne "sooner than expected."
This much-needed festive respite comes after Kate and King Charles simultaneously battled cancer for much of the year, with the Princess of Wales, 42, announcing the end of her chemotherapy back in September and the 76-year-old monarch's treatment ongoing.
The in-laws, whose health crises have helped them forge "an extra-special bond," are "very much looking forward to being surrounded by family, and there will be lots of royal children in attendance bringing the kind of lighthearted, fun energy that serves as a good distraction," royal expert Sharon Carpenter told Us Weekly.
Among those distractions, Kate and William, also 42, will likely bake with their children -- Princes George, 11 and Louis, 6, as well as Princess Charlotte, 9 -- and enjoy board games and Christmas movies like "Elf" at Anmer Hall, near Charles' 20,000-acre Sandringham estate.
Carpenter added that it's "very important" for the family that they spend time with Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in the "more private relaxed environment."
Rumor has it William's estranged brother, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, "have not been invited" to the festivities, though controversial Prince Andrew and the families of Princess Beatrice and Eugenie likely have.
Last weekend, Kate and her family headed to Westminster Abbey for her fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service.
This holiday season feels like the "calm before the storm" as the royal couple is "preparing for their future roles [as King and Queen] sooner than they would have expected," royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People.
In addition to Charles having to take a backseat due to his health, Queen Camilla has had to pull out of multiple engagements while battling pneumonia.
This past weekend, William appeared in place of his father at the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, rubbing elbows with world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump, with whom he shared a half-hour chat. Trump said he asked about Kate and Charles, who are "doing well" and "fighting very hard."