Prince William and Kate Middleton at a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus

Speaking to a second group, she disclosed she had tried to show her older children, 5-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, the festive treats laid out for military families at Kensington Palace when they arrived home from school and nursery yesterday afternoon — but they were too late.

Kate Middleton and Prince William's Christmas Party for Military Families

At the palace party, kids enjoyed an fun mix of activities, including a photo booth, Christmas stocking, snow globe decorating, cracker making and entertainment from U.K. party planners Sharky and George. Prince William, 36, even got in the holiday spirit by joining children in making crackers.

One woman asked William why he had not brought his own children to the party. As he crouched down making truffles with RAF children, he replied: “Because I can’t do this and look after the children.”

“As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when a loved one leaves to do the job they trained for,” she said. “When William served doing search and rescue, I remember how I felt, but I can’t imagine how it feel when your loved ones are away on active service during Christmas. The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year.”

Prince Charles's 70th Birthday Portraits Moment

Prince Charles's birthday celebrations show no sign of slowing down. Just a few days after the banquet thrown in his honor at Buckingham Palace, a new series of portraits of Charles has been released. Highlights of the previously never-before-seen images, which were taken by Getty royal photographer Chris Jackson, include some adorable photos of Charles playing with his youngest grandchild, Prince Louis, as well as some snaps of Charles presumably feeding the chickens, laughing with his sister Princess Anne, and strolling alongside his mother, the Queen, in Buckingham Palace.

Kate Middleton Looks Lovely in a Polka-Dot Dress for Prince Charles's 70th Birthday Portraits

Newly released pictures are only one way the royal family is celebrating the Prince of Wales this week. Tomorrow, on his actual birthday, guests including Will and Kate and Meghan and Harry, along with members of other royal families from across Europe are expected to toast Britain's heir apparent at a banquet at Buckingham Palace.

A previously unseen outtake from the family portrait session in honor of Charles's birthday. Prince Louis clearly can't get enough of his "Grandpa Wales."

Prince Louis Adorably Steals the Show in New Photos Released for Prince Charles's 70th Birthday

The royals celebrated with a private birthday party at Buckingham Palace. The formal dinner was a chance to dress up in all their finery, and the Duchess of Cambridge didn't disappoint! Kate looked as stunning as everwith a flawless complexion and pretty updo. She appeared to be wearing a one-shoulder hot pink gown, with ruffled floral details.

The Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London 2018

As millions of American step out with clever and unique looks for the holiday, Kate Middleton chose to keep things classy and beautiful once again as she attended a special event.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London where she viewed letters relating to the three brothers of her great grandmother. All of the men fought and died in World War 1.

In addition, Kate took a brief tour of the First World War Galleries where she met historians and the fellow descendant of a First World War soldier.

During her visits, the proud mother of three wore a stunning blue dress with three-quarter length sleeves. She completed her look with beige heels and a matching clutch.

Kate in Glittering Diamonds and New Family Order for State Banquet

A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirms to Vogue that Kate Middleton wore the Lover’s Knot tiara paired with Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace. They were first spotted on the duchess through the window of a Bentley, perched delicately around her head and neck.

The Lover’s Knot tiara is quite the adornment, containing 19 diamond arches decorated with 38 drop-pearls. It was commissioned for Queen Mary in 1913, made by British jewelry house Garrard.

The Duchess dazzled as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for tonight’s state banquet. The evening is in honor of King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, in London for a two-day state visit.

A look at the senior royals at tonight’s banquet, from left to right: Queen Máxima, King Willem-Alexander, The Queen, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Now to the gems we see shimmering on the Duchess’s neck. A hearty “thank you” to all who pointed out this is Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace.

It was fun seeing everyone wearing white-tie this evening. We will see Kate again next week but in a more casual environment; here’s more info from our Kate’s Calendar page.

The image of the Queen shows her in formal attire and wearing a tiara. The oval is surrounded by diamonds topped by a red enameled crown. One element of Kate’s order marks a significant change: it is painted on glass, not ivory.