Princess Kate has shocked the public by rejecting the idea of spending Christmas at Sandringham.
This decision came as a surprise to her husband, Prince William, who was left stunned by her ultimatum.
However, it seems that Kate had a specific condition before agreeing to join the royal festivities.
Traditionally, Kate and William, along with their children George, Charlotte, and Louis, have spent Christmas at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk.
It has become a cherished tradition for the family.
But it has now been revealed that this was not always the case.
According to royal expert Tina Brown, there was a time when Kate confidently declined an invitation from both William and Queen Elizabeth II to spend Christmas in Norfolk.
This rejection initially caused some awkwardness between Kate and William.
It is believed that William extended the invitation as early as 2006, but Kate firmly turned it down, leaving him in a state of shock.
Instead of joining the royal family at Sandringham, Kate chose to spend Christmas with her parents at a luxurious rental house in Perthshire.
It was clear that she had made up her mind about the matter.
In fact, she even rejected an invitation from the late Queen Elizabeth II herself to visit the Norfolk estate.
Royal biographer Tina Brown confirmed that Kate’s decision was based on one simple requirement: a ring on her finger.
It seems that Kate wanted to make sure that she and William were engaged before participating in such a significant royal gathering.
This revelation sheds light on Kate’s strong-willed nature and determination to have a clear commitment from William.
Royal historian Robert Lacey also supported these reports, stating that Kate would only agree to go to Sandringham on Christmas Day if she was engaged and had a ring to prove it.
The couple first met as students and moved in together in 2002, along with several other university friends.
Their first public appearance as a couple was in 2006, at the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles, the daughter of Queen Camilla.
It is clear that Kate’s rejection of Christmas at Sandringham was not a decision made lightly.