Prince William was joined by a lot of relatives for Christma (Image: /)
‘s little-known step-sister is set to join the bustling festivities this at , offering a picture of unity despite their not-so-warm past.
With an impressive roster of 45 guests, announced by the Prince himself at a recent jolly engagement in Wiltshire with the Mercian Regiment’s families, the fine dining experience promises the attendance of the monarchy’s highest ranks, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, with William and his wife among them, as well as other notable royals like Anne, Princess Royal, and the Wessex duo.
William revealed: “We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham. We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet, it will be noisy.”
Adding to this year’s merry cheer amidst health concerns shaking the Royal foundation, Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes, William and Harry’s stepsister, has been warmly embraced into the fold, signifying the thawing of any frosty feelings within this extended Royal branch.
Laura Parker Bowles with son Gus and daughter Eliza (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
The presence of the 46-year-old arts professional — this being her second invite after making her Christmas debut last year — alongside her brother Tom Parker-Bowles highlights the dynamics of family ties that extend beyond Royal titles and lineage since Laura’s birth on New Year’s Day in 1978 to Camilla and ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles.
Like Kate Middleton, Laura is also a mother of three who shares a love for art. She pursued Art History with Marketing at Oxford Brookes University before establishing the fine art gallery Eleven in 2005.
That same year, her life took a dramatic turn when her mother, then named Camilla Parker-Bowles, married Prince Charles in a civil ceremony near Windsor Castle.
This high-profile marriage made Laura and food writer Tom stepsiblings to Princes William and Harry, a transition that wasn’t always smooth, reports .
Laura Lopes attends the launch of the ‘Fortnum & Mason Christmas & Other Winter Feasts cookbook by Tom Parker-Bowles (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)
Despite being seen laughing together at the April 2005 ceremony, it’s been reported that William and Laura had “terrible fights”.
In her 2010 book ‘Harry and William’, Katie Nicholl wrote: “William and Laura used to have terrible fights over who was to blame for their broken homes.
“William would blame Camilla for all the hurt she had caused his mother [Princess Diana], which would send Laura into a rage.
“Laura was not having any of it. She would take a hard line and fire back at William: ‘Your father has ruined my life’.”
Camilla with her children (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)
In 2006, Laura tied the knot with chartered accountant Harry Lopes in a Wiltshire ceremony attended by Princes William and Harry.
Like her mother, Laura chose Anna Valentine for her wedding dress, completing her look with a diamond-encrusted tiara – a family heirloom worn by Camilla on her first trip down the aisle.
Former Calvin Klein heartthrob and aristocrat Harry will be right at home at the Sandringham festivities. According to Hello!
magazine, he is a grandson of the 2nd Baron Roborough, poised to inherit esteemed estates in Devon and the Scottish Highlands.
Charles with his then new bride Camilla with their children (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Harry and his spouse Laura are proud parents to Eliza, 16, and twins Gus and Louis, 14, all of whom are expected at the Royal Christmas gathering, signalling easing familial strains.
Cherished golden moments include Eliza’s role as a bridesmaid at and Princess Kate’s wedding in 2011, with her step-grandad King Charles hoisting her up on the Buckingham Palace balcony, and Gus and Louis serving as Pages of Honour for King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation, joining their cousin Prince George.
The family anticipates a particularly joyous Christmas this year, ensconced in the love of kin after a turbulent time. Royal expert Jennie Bond conveyed to OK!
William during his meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump (Image: Getty Images)
Laura Parker Bowles’ wedding on May 6, 2006 (Image: PA)
Magazine: “After the year they’ve had, I’m sure it’s going to mean the world to the King and Queen to have as many of their family as possible joining them for Christmas.
“And, as the number of youngsters increases, so the celebrations become more and more child oriented. Which is exactly what Christmas should be all about.”