So. Kate is obviously not going to be told what to do..........

I'm surprised that cheelu has expressed herself so forcefully and so negatively about the Queen since it was she who complained about too much nastiness on Gransnet. That last dispute arose because of the (what some people thought) were the unjustified criticisms of the Queen to which us Royalists reacted sharply. I'm shocked, cheelu. Were you waiting until it got quiet again to have a go at Her Maj?

Well, they're a normal very rich family who live in a huge huge mansion type thing. but they did work for it. I believe the Queen had to two other children because she wanted a couple of children that she could spend time with. Not too sure about Charles, but I think Anne turned out well [got a soft spot for her as well].

Her children are about the same as anyone else's children.

I bet he appreciates that crimson ("I have a soft spot for the boy")

Of coiurse the Middletons are a normal family. Why wouldn't they be?

And she has a beautiful smile.

She was too busy looking after her two grandsons to think about what the nation expected of her. (after the death of Diana)

CHEELU with respect, what you say about the queen is a load of old cobblers.

Well I've seen the queen smile!

I would doubt the Queen has pressured 'the family' to being with her. It's like a lot of families, they just do it.

She does have a big enough table to sit them all down after all.

Perhaps they're doing same as a lot of families do, spending one year with his family, the other with hers.

I wouldn't say the Queen was a nice person, according to Prince Charles she was never around when he was growing up and he had a better relationship with his Grand Mother. The Queen was also quite horrid to Princess Diane, she refused to morn Diana's death, until she was finally forced to comment. I would say that she is quite a bitter person which is why you never see her smile. I think she feels that she has had to sacrifice her life for her country, and she has, but it was her own decision, them that went before her chose not to take on that role, namely her own Uncle. I feel more proud of Prince Charles as he tries very hard to help the under privileged. And am very proud of Prince William who shows the same care and compassion as his Mother showed whilst she was alive.....I don't think we live in the era anymore were by you are respected simply because you are part of The Monarchy, I think people are now looking for quite a bit more than that, and IMHO rightly so...

Can't think of the Middletons as being a normal family. Hope the press don't go to town about Kate and William slumming it . Mind you, I just [ever since he lost his mum] want William's life to be perfect, so I hope he has a lovely Christmas with them. Have a soft spot for the boy.

I think she does, actually, bluebell. Her children are another matter...

And the Queen is such a lovely person and sets such an example of family values .......

I'm glad they've made the break. Time to set up their own traditions.

I always felt sorry for the Duchess of York because she never got to spend Christmas Day with her girls....and believe me it takes a lot for me to feel sorry for any of that lot

Just like many other people - one year with the in-laws and one year with the out-laws

what does lal mean?

most daughters like to be with there mothers at christmas ,good for her

Bluebell , lal.

About time that disgraceful monopoly of the Queen's was broken - I always thought it was really unkind and thoughtless the way everyone who married in had to stop spending time with their own families on Christmas Day. Oh sorry, I forgot, she's a lovely woman!!

Good for her start as you mean to go on and go to mum's for xmas,she will be in the comfort of her own family if she is not feeling too great and won't be judged if she wants to spend her days relaxing.

Or even with the Middletons!

Yes, good for them, I think William likes the more informal (normal) family life with the Middlestons!

Good for them. Seems fair to me and i expect she wants to be with her mum if she is not feeling so great.

Wonder how they have managed to swing that ?