The Christmas decoration that makes George, Charlotte and Louis 'laugh', according to grandmother Carole Middleton

Kate Middleton's mother has given a little insight into the festive season celebrations enjoyed by the royals, as she opens up about her own sweet moments with her family.

Carole, 66, has revealed the Christmas decoration that is guaranteed to make her grandchildren – who include Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – "laugh".

In a post on the Instagram account of her company Party Pieces, the businesswoman said that she was stocking up on their favourite Nordic gnomes, which she planned to surprise them with around her Berkshire house this winter.

She explained: "I’m going to need a few of these cheeky chaps this December, to hide around the house and make my grandchildren laugh.

"As much as I love immaculate decorations, we can’t be too serious at Christmas!"

Her suggestion was popular with social media users, who praised the "cute" red and white creations, which stand at 32cm tall.

They are available on the Party Pieces website – where they are described as bringing "plenty of festive cheer" – for ￡11.99 each.

Also called "gonks", they are thought in Scandinavian folklore to protect homes around this time of year.

Along with husband Michael, 72, she is a grandparent to George, eight, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three, as well as younger daughter Pippa's son Arthur, three, and eight-month-old daughter Grace.

Their youngest child, son James, got married in September in the C?te d’Azur, and does not have any children.

His bride, Alizée Thevenet, paid tribute to her mother-in-law by wearing the exact wedding dress she wore on her big day in 1980.

It is thought that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children will spend Christmas Day itself this year with the Queen at Sandringham in Norfolk.

Watch: Everything you need to know about Kate and William’s children