Queen Elizabeth kicks off Christmas boarding a train to Sandringham

But Prince George has made a grand return this morning-as he made his way to the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace for the annual pre-Christmas family lunch.

As usual, Prince George managed to steal the show among dozens of royals.

It was not clear if Kate and Charlotte were in the same vehicle or in one behind containing the children’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, but royal sources told the Daily Express that 7-month-old Charlotte was definitely at the lunch. This plan was first announced in 2010, in which the Buckingham Palace stated that the now 95 year old royal prince would be stepping down as a patron or president from several organisations.

In a white shirt with blue trim and navy cardigan, the future King, now nearly two and a half, gazed pensively out of the window.

The two-year-old Prince was strapped into a child seat in the rear next to the Duchess, while his uncle was a front-seat passenger.

His chin rested on his hand as he contemplated the tourist crowds and press photographers that will one day become an inevitable part of his life.

Prince William was noticeably absent as he was attending the memorial service for John Pelly, the father of close friend Guy Pelly at St Michaels Church in Mere, Wiltshire.

Prince William joked that toddler Prince George will be bouncing around like a rabbit this Christmas.

Other royal guests who were seen entering the palace were the Prince of Wales, Princess Eugenie and former England rugby player Mike Tindall.

Adorable George was the star of the family’s Christmas photos in 2014, but it is likely that this year he will star alongside his baby sister in the first photos of them together since Princess Charlotte’s christening in July. Prince Edward drove himself to the palace while Canadian Autumn Kelly, the wife of Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, was also spotted making her entrance at the dinner.