Prince William spends Christmas with in-laws

Last year the couple joined the royal family at Sandringham

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend Christmas at the Middleton home rather than with the Queen at Sandringham, it has been announced.

Prince William and his pregnant wife will celebrate Christmas at Catherine's family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, a Clarence House spokesman said.

The decision has been taken with the approval of the Queen.

The couple are also planning a visit to the Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk, during the festive period.

They spent last Christmas there with other members of the Royal Family.

The decision to spend this Christmas Day with the Middleton family was taken before it was announced Catherine was pregnant.

Earlier this month the duchess spent three days in hospital after suffering severe morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, which leaves expectant mothers unable to keep food or liquids down.

She was then ordered by doctors to have a period of rest at home at Kensington Palace, which meant she missed some engagements.

BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said that according to Catherine's sister Pippa, Christmas at the Middletons involved the girls' father appearing in fancy dress. "One year he bought an inflatable sumo outfit," our correspondent reported.