Prince William, Kate Middleton receive bad news ahead of Christmas

Prince William and Kate Middleton lost a key member from their royal foundation just as the family was gearing up for their Sandringham Christmas plans.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who run the Royal Foundation, saw the exit of their high-profile director Demetra Pinsent after eight years in the position, revealed royal correspondent Richard Eden.

Pinsent, who is the wife of legendary rower Sir Matthew Pinsent, gold medallist at four successive Olympic games, was also one of the trustees of the foundation.

However, she will continue as her role as chief executive of Charlotte Tilbury beauty empire which she joined four years ago.

“I knew I had met my perfect match in Charlotte,” Pinsent said at the time. “She is as ambitious, determined and opinionated as I am, yet complementary to me in the way she thinks about opportunities.”

The news comes after Prince William revealed his plans for upcoming Christmas holidays with Kate and their three children at Sandringham.

The future king shared that he hopes to have “long walks with the family dog as they spend the festive period in Norfolk” and to have a low-key festive season following the “brutal” year they had with King Charles and Kate’s cancer.

He also added that he is “looking forward to Christmas with 45 members of his family 'all in one room'" as they're "normally spread out”.