Kate Middleton

By Rebecca Merriman On December 18, 2013

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge get in the Christmas spirit today as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for the royal family's annual pre-Christmas lunch hosted by the Queen.

Recycling her red Armani coat, the Duchess could be seen arriving at the palace with husband Prince William earlier today for the annual lunch. Son Prince George didn't appear to be with the couple for the meal at great-granny's and is still probably a little young for the event.

Other members of the royal family were present though, including the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of York Prince Andrew and Peter and Autumn Phillips. Last year Kate had only recently come out of hospital, after suffering from severe morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy with Prince George.

The annual meal sees the Queen invite around 40 members of the extended royal family to lunch.

Next week, the closest family members will head to the queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk where the royals traditionally spend the Christmas holidays.

This year, as Prince George's first Christmas, the Middletons family has reportedly been invited to join in the festivities.

"This year's celebrations are set to be extra special after Prince George's arrival," a royal source told The Sun in October.

"What better way to mark such a magical year than by having the whole family present?. Kate is very close to her family. Any child's first Christmas is one no grandparent would want to miss."

Kate looked beautiful in her Emilia Wickstead emerald green coat for St Patrick's Day this year. (SplashNews)