Prince William and Laura Lopes have been step-siblings for over two decades, but their relationship hasn’t always been smooth sailing

Prince William was joined by a lot of relatives for Christma (Image: /)

Prince William’s little-known step-sister is set to join the bustling Royal Family festivities this Christmas at Sandringham, offering a picture of unity despite their not-so-warm past.

With an impressive roster of 45 guests, announced by the Prince himself at a recent jolly engagement in Wiltshire with the Mercian Regiment’s families, the fine dining experience promises the attendance of the monarchy’s highest ranks, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, with William and his wife among them, as well as other notable royals like Anne, Princess Royal, and the Wessex duo.

William revealed: “We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham. We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet, it will be noisy.”

Adding to this year’s merry cheer amidst health concerns shaking the Royal foundation, Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes, William and Harry’s stepsister, has been warmly embraced into the fold, signifying the thawing of any frosty feelings within this extended Royal branch.

Laura Parker Bowles with son Gus and daughter Eliza (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

The presence of the 46-year-old arts professional — this being her second invite after making her Christmas debut last year — alongside her brother Tom Parker-Bowles highlights the dynamics of family ties that extend beyond Royal titles and lineage since Laura’s birth on New Year’s Day in 1978 to Camilla and ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles.

Like Kate Middleton, Laura is also a mother of three who shares a love for art. She pursued Art History with Marketing at Oxford Brookes University before establishing the fine art gallery Eleven in 2005.

That same year, her life took a dramatic turn when her mother, then named Camilla Parker-Bowles, married Prince Charles in a civil ceremony near Windsor Castle.

This high-profile marriage made Laura and food writer Tom stepsiblings to Princes William and Harry, a transition that wasn’t always smooth, reports the Mirror.

Laura Lopes attends the launch of the ‘Fortnum & Mason Christmas & Other Winter Feasts cookbook by Tom Parker-Bowles (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)