WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities

Christmas is a time of love, hope and togetherness - as well as a chance to reflect on the past 12 months as we look to the year ahead. And, while this is certainly true of everyone up and down the country, this festive period will surely strike an extra chord with the Prince and Princess of Wales as they will strive to make this a Christmas to remember for Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

"I think this Christmas and New Year will take on a special significance for all of the royal family, but especially for the King and the Princess of Wales," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK!.

"They have come through what William has described as 'the hardest year of my life' - and it has undoubtedly been an even more brutal year for his father and his wife." And when it comes to their children, "it might be their way of saying thank you for bearing up so well during a tough time," says Jennie, heart-warmingly.

"Just like so many families with young children, the excitement about Christmas starts early. I've no doubt they will have their heads full of thoughts about Father Christmas loading all sorts of gifts onto his sleigh.

Although the royal family is not renowned for exchanging extravagant presents, this year surely will be one when they all want to treat one another after so many very difficult months." As for what the young royals might receive this year, the expert adds, "I'd imagine there will be some more flying lessons on the cards for George, maybe something to do with Taylor Swift for Charlotte and anything adventurous for little Louis - he's probably at an age when he will be wanting things like a skateboard."