Pippa Middleton Gets Royal Christmas Invite

The Royal family have invited Pippa Middleton to join them for their traditional Boxing Day pheasant shoot at Sandringham.

The shoot is usually only attended by members of the Royal family plus their spouses.

It is thought Pippa's invite is to help Kate Middleton feel more at home, as it is her first Christmas at the Norfolk estate with the Queen, the Daily Mail reports.

A source said: "Kate will of course miss her family on Christmas Day – she has  traditionally spent it with them.

"She wants Pippa to join her at Sandringham on Boxing Day because it will make being apart from her family at Christmas a little easier."

The source added: "She gets on very well with  William and Harry, and the Duke  of Edinburgh has a soft spot  for her.

"It’s unusual for non-family members to receive an  invitation, but William wants Kate to feel comfortable and he knows  having her sister there will mean a great deal to her.

A senior Palace aide confirmed Kate and Wills will be at Sandringham, but said others would be private guests of the Queen.

Pippa hits the ice with friends...