THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance at a Christmas party for their staff yesterday afternoon.
The couple’s choice of venue for their annual Household bash was not a glitzy venue such as The Ritz – but a London restaurant chain.
William and Kate turned up with minimal fuss to Bumpkin in Notting Hill where they had hired, rather appropriately, The Queen’s Room – so-called because of a giant portrait of the monarch which hangs on the wall.
The Duchess – who was wearing a stylish floral blue and white dress with a smart matching jacket – tucked into the traditional Christmas Menu, which costs £30 for three courses and features free-range turkey with the all the trimmings and Christmas pudding.
Although the mulled wine was said to be flowing, the pregnant Duchess, unsurprisingly, stuck to soft drinks.
Both she and her husband appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely, sources said.
A restaurant source added: ‘The Duchess of Cambridge was looking the picture of health.
‘William and Kate enjoyed a leisurely lunch with 27 members of their Household.
‘It seems even the Royals attend office Christmas parties – although it was a much more sophisticated affair, without all the usual drunken antics and revelry.’
A St James’s Palace spokesman yesterday confirmed the couple’s attendance, saying: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a private luncheon today.’
The event was the Duchess’s second outing since being released from hospital on December 6, after she made a surprise appearance at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Sunday night. - Daily Mail