Why Prince William Is Traveling Without Kate Middleton and Kids Right Ahead of Christmas

The Prince of Wales is traveling abroad on behalf of King Charles

Prince William is making an unexpected trip abroad just a week before Christmas.

Kensington Palace announced on Monday that the Prince of Wales is en route to Kuwait on behalf of his father, King Charles, to pay condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah following the death of His Late Highness, Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The British royals have longstanding ties with Kuwait, with His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah having visited the U.K. three times in 2023: in May for King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation, in August as a guest of the government and in October to meet the King.

Prince William was joined on the trip by the Foreign Secretary, David Cameron.

Related: Kate Middleton Shares Never Before Seen Image from Childhood Christmas — and She Looks Just Like Prince Louis!

The visit abroad comes as he and Kate Middleton were likely looking forward to spending some time with their three children ahead of the holiday. Lambrook School, where Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all attend, had its last day of classes before its Christmas break on Friday. The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, typically lighten up their royal schedules during school vacations to be with their kids.

This week, the royal family will likely gather for their annual pre-Christmas lunch. Prince William, Princess Kate and their children are regulars at the private holiday event, which took place at Windsor Castle on Dec. 20 last year.

Each year at Christmas, the British royal family gathers at Sandringham in Norfolk. Darren McGrady, who was a chef during Queen Elizabeth's reign, previously told the Daily Mail that the royals have afternoon tea on Christmas Eve before exchanging "jokey and inexpensive" gifts.

On Christmas Day, the royals traditionally attend the Christmas Day service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene followed by a holiday lunch of turkey with sides like potatoes, stuffing and vegetables. At 3 p.m., they watch King Charles' Christmas speech on TV, followed by afternoon tea.

Related: Prince Louis Has a Classic Little Brother Moment in New Video with Mom and Siblings — See the Clip Going Viral

Prince William and Princess Kate's family will likely stay at Anmer Hall, their country residence on the Sandringham estate, where Kate is said to feel most at home.

"It's like a fancy farmhouse," someone familiar with the house previously told PEOPLE. "It isn't grandiose. But it's a great, friendly family environment."

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Earlier this month, Prince William and Princess Kate were joined by Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, at the third annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. The event, hosted by Kate, celebrates the holiday as well as a special cause — this year, it was linked to Princess Kate’s Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on her mission to support children during the early years of their lives.

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