Christmas has officially kicked off at Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth held her annual holiday lunch on Wednesday, December 18. Shortly after the festive family gathering wrapped up, sources close told Closer Weekly all about the 93-year-old monarch’s fun-filled day with her great-grandchildren.

“The royals are already getting into the Christmas spirit!” the insider exclusively shared with Closer. “Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had a blast at the queen’s annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.”

The Queen's Pre Christmas Luncheon
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Tons of their aunts, uncles and other royal family members may have filled the halls of the queen’s home, but the source insisted the kiddos’ favorite part was the eyecatching Christmas lights and embellishments. “[Elizabeth] always makes a huge effort to turn her home into a winter wonderland,” the source explained. “The kids were wowed by tree and decorations!”

The insider even added that the queen is much more laid back when it comes to her yearly Christmas celebration. “While the lunch is pretty formal, the queen let’s the kids be kids — she knows how excited they are at this time,” the source continued. “If they want to go off and play together, she’s fine with it.”

Although the queen looks forward to spending time with her youngest generation of royals, the insider revealed George, 6, Charlotte, 4, and Louis, 1, can’t help but count down till the day of Santa’s arrival. “Charlotte told the queen all about her Christmas wishlist, and asked her great-grandmother if she’s written to Santa too — which she found hilarious,” the source dished. So cute!

While Santa determines who’s naughty or nice, the insider said Prince William and Duchess Kate‘s three kids have nothing to worry about. “George was as good as gold — he always is,” the source noted. “He’s at an age where he’s starting to feel so grown up.”

The Queen's Pre Christmas Luncheon
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This Christmas Day will be especially monumental for Elizabeth’s royal grandkids considering George is expected to make “his debut with Charlotte at church,” the source clarified, “although this could change at the last minute depending on the weather and the kids moods.”

Despite Christmas being a “long day for the kids,” the insider told Closer George, Charlotte and Louis “love every minute” of it. “They’re usually up at 6 a.m. to open their gifts, then there’s a long lunch at Sandringham,” the source continued. “Kate doesn’t usually have any problem getting them to sleep that night because they’re so worn out!”

We can’t wait to hear all about the royal kiddos’ Christmas this year!

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