Prince William and Kate Middleton have officially kicked off their Christmas celebrations.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a party for military families at Kensington Palace.
Kate opted for a festive tartan skirt by Emilia Wickstead with a cropped cashmere cardigan from Brora.
The couple were walking through the grounds when they noticed “snow” on the ground, when suddenly they were jolted by a blower dispensing fake snow as they made their arrival to the event.
Kate and William then shared a laugh at their moment of surprise.
The event, in partnership with the Royal British Legion charity, was held at the palace’s Orangery, just a few hundred yards from where Prince William and Princess Kate live with their children Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 7 months.
The area was decked out with Christmas trees and other decorations and there was even an appearance from Santa Claus!
Kate gave a speech recalling when Prince William served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force.
“As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when a loved one leaves to do the job they trained for,” she said.
“When William served doing search and rescue, I remember how I felt, but I can’t imagine how it feel when your loved ones are away on active service during Christmas. The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year.”
According to PEOPLE, one woman asked William why he had not brought his own children to the party.
To which he replied, “Because I can’t do this and look after the children.”
Kate and William are due to fly out to the Royal Air Force base on Cyprus to visit the troops and deliver Christmas cards and gifts from their loved ones back home in the U.K.
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This article originally appeared on New Idea.
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