PEOPLE confirmed Beatrice will join the royal family’s Sandringham gathering instead of traveling to be with in-laws in Italy

PEOPLE previously confirmed that the Duke of York wouldn't be at the family party

PEOPLE understands that William and Kate will not attend the Buckingham Palace lunch because they're already at Anmer Hall in Norfolk for the holidays

PEOPLE understands that the Duke and Duchess of York won't join the royals for the holiday lunch Dec. 19

“He’s the best, a great man with a great heart, and kind,” the Duchess of York said of her ex-husband

The Duke and Duchess of York and their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have declined the invitation from King Charles

The Duke of York is mired in more scandal, and reports suggest he is being pressed to keep a low profile over the Christmas holidays

"There will always be a bond of blood" an inside source says of the siblings

The Duke of York is at the center of more headlines and controversy over his friendship with a Chinese businessman

"They are quite close to their father; they seem to be quite protective towards him," a source told 'Hello!'

The Duke of York avoided a fall from his horse after it seemed to get spooked