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Most families typically dine together on Christmas Day but Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with with others members of the Royal Families, adhere to a unique tradition that sees them dining separately on December 25.
The royals gather for Christmas lunch at Sandringham House but breakfast is a personal affair. The royals follow a strict timetable with breakfast starting precisely at 9am, according to the Mirror.
They then attend church service at St Mary Magdalene at 11am. Upon returning to Sandringham House, which now belongs to King Charles III after Queen Elizabeth’s passing, they immediately commence pre-lunch drinks.
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Former Royal chef Darren McGrady disclosed that Royal women enjoy their breakfast in their bedrooms, while the men congregate in the dining room before attending church, reports the Daily Record.
Although the exact reason for this practice remains unclear, it results in the Prince and Princess of Wales not sharing breakfast together on Christmas Day, despite being married for over a decade.
In a 2017 interview with the Daily Mail, prior to the late Queen’s death, Mr McGrady shared: “On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms – the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9am.
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“The male Royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8.30am with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11am church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, it’s straight into pre-lunch drinks.”
The separation of the sexes during breakfast is thought to give the women more time to prepare their hair and makeup for the highly photographed church service.
Mr McGrady continued: “The first time the Royals congregate on Christmas Eve is for afternoon tea at 4pm, often in the ornate Sandringham saloon under its exquisitely painted ceiling.
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“It involves a large cake, usually a ginger cake or honey and cream sponge; a fruit cake would clash with the following day’s Christmas cake.
“On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms – the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9am.
Small cakes and scones feature alongside finger sandwiches (crusts off, served in squares) filled with ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese and Branston Pickle or Coronation chicken, with a pot of Earl Grey tea.”
The Firm members also enjoy dinner together on Christmas Eve and follow a German tradition called Heiligabend Bescherung which sees them open their presents the night before the 25th. It remains uncertain whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be reuniting with their estranged relatives at Sandringham this year.
