UK: Royal Christmas without Prince William
By Associated Press
Dec 24, 2010 9:51 AM CST

Queen Elizabeth II and her family are gathering at Sandringham Estate to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve without Prince William, who's on military duty.

The royals' Christmas will include a Christmas Day church service as the estate, 110 miles north of London, followed by a gala meal and the broadcast of the Queen's Christmas message.

William and his fiancee Kate Middleton won't be there because William is on Royal Air Force duty in Wales. The couple plan to wed in April.

Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry isn't on military assignment and is expected to be with the family at Sandringham.

The royal Christmas schedule is usually private except for the church service, which typically draws locals hoping for a glimpse of the queen and her family.