A Blast From Royal Drama Past: Appearance From Prince William's 'Secret' Sister Set to Rock Traditionally Calm Sandringham Christmas

Royal Christmases at Sandringham are traditionally tranquil affairs, but the appearance of Prince William's "secret" sister, with whom he once had past drama, is set to possibly break that magic.

The Prince of Wales' stepsister, Laura Lopes, Queen Camilla's daughter, is reportedly set to join the royals at Sandringham this year along with her brother, Tom Parker Bowles, who will visit for the first time. King Charles III and Her Majesty are staging an elaborate 2024 Christmas celebration in what is believed to be due to his ongoing cancer treatment and Kate, Princess of Wales' defeat of the same disease.

In the years following Diana, Princess of Wales's death, the future king met his future step-siblings and reportedly "got on well" with Parker Bowles, "but certainly not his sister," a royal source said.

In her 2010 book William and Harry, royal author Katie Nicholl wrote, "William and Laura used to have terrible fights over who was to blame for their broken homes. William would blame Camilla for all the hurt she had caused his mother [Princess Diana], which would send Laura into a rage... Laura was not having any of it. She would take a hard line and fire back at William, 'Your father has ruined my life.'"

At then-Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla in April 2005, William and Prince Harry famously made nice with their new step-siblings, which showed unity after years of bitterness during the Charles and Diana wars.

This year, Britain's next king and queen are orchestrating a memorable Christmas experience for their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — in the wake of the future queen's "worst year yet."

The "enchanting" festivities are set to commence on Christmas Eve at Anmer Hall, the Wales family's Norfolk, England, retreat. Here, the young royals partake in the German tradition of exchanging gifts, a practice that became custom in Victoria's reign.

Adding a personal touch, their grandmother, Carole Middleton, presents each child with a special Christmas Eve box, filled with small gifts and treats, enhancing the anticipation of the season.

Christmas Day unfolds with the family joining the extended royal clan at nearby Sandringham. The day begins with a traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene, where the royal family is often greeted by well-wishers and the media.

Following the service, they return to "the Big House" for a festive lunch, featuring classic dishes such as roast turkey and Christmas pudding — a British delight. A highlight of the afternoon is gathering to watch the King's speech, a moment that underscores the family's unity and shared heritage.

"This inclusive approach signifies a modernized royal family, embracing both traditional and contemporary family structures," an insider pointed out.

InStyle reported on Nicholl's insight.