The Cambridge family, like many others across the country, face disappointment after new measures were brought in to tackle the latest surge in Covid-19 infections. They had planned to celebrate Christmas with Kate’s parents at their Grade-II listed home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, according to The Daily Mail.
Michael and Carole Middleton were due to be hosting all four of their grandchildren: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Arthur.
This is because they would have also been joined by Arthur’s parents, Pippa and James.
William and Kate, both aged 38, had offered to move the festivities to their residence in Norfolk, Anmer Hall, the report said.
But Berkshire is now in Tier 4 which means it is off limits for Michael, 71, and Carole, 65.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “we cannot continue with Christmas as planned” in an announcement on Saturday.
Those in Tier 4 also face a travel ban meaning they cannot enter or exit their area.
Mr Johnson called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet after a rise in coronavirus infections.
A mutated strain is thought to be behind a surge in the south east of England, where the R rate has soared to 1.4 in recent weeks.
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This is because the entire York family is trapped in Tier 4 areas.
On Sunday, Britain experienced a record daily rise of 35,928 new coronavirus infections.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said the “sharp and sudden increase” in new cases on Sunday was of “serious concern”.
She said: “Most of the new cases reported today are concentrated in London and the South East, although it is too early to tell if this is linked to the new variant.
“What we do know is that the way to control this virus is the same, whatever the variant.
“It simply will not spread if we avoid close contact with others.”
A Government explanation of Tier 4 restrictions is as follows: “If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules below from Sunday, December 20.
“This means that you cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble.
“Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household.
“These rules will not be relaxed for Christmas.”
