Royal couple to spend Christmas with the Middleton family

Prince William and his pregnant wife Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge will break with tradition this year (12) by spending Christmas Day (25Dec12) away from the rest of the royal family.

The couple usually spends the big day with Queen Elizabeth II and their many royal relatives at the family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.

However, this year (12) they have chosen to have Christmas Day with the Duchess' family in her hometown of Bucklebury, England.

The prince will join the rest of the Middletons for celebrations at the family home, while they will both re-join the Queen and his father Charles, Prince of Wales in Norfolk at some point over the festive season.

A spokesperson for St. James's Palace says, "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend Christmas Day privately with the Middleton family."

This Christmas (12) will also be different for the royals as Prince Harry is away serving with the armed forces in Afghanistan.