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Despite being the world’s most famous family, the royals’ Christmas wish list is surprisingly simple: happiness, good health and quality time with loved ones. For Prince Charles, after a year plagued by illness, spending time with his family at his Norfolk estate, Sandringham, will be a welcome break.
“The tradition of togetherness at Christmas was a big thing for the late Queen but it’s important for Charles, too, especially this year,” Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, The Princess Of Wales, exclusively told OK! . “It’s a lovely chance to see his grandchildren. He’ll be surrounded by those he cherishes most, enjoying the chance to eat, drink and be merry with them.”
King Charles’ marriage to Queen Camilla has created a relatable blended family dynamic, with five grandchildren from his sons Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet and another five step-grandchildren through Camilla – Lola, Eliza, Louis (another one), Gus, and Freddy.
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In previous years, post-Christmas lunch would see Queen Camilla slipping away for a glass of red wine with her children, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. Yet, last Christmas marked a change with King Charles welcoming Camilla’s wider family into the fold.
Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe shares his thoughts: “Throw in the Tindalls’ three plus Beatrice and Eugenie’s kids, and it will be chaos, a Christmas dominated by children,” he said. “But kids are a great healer and a great distraction. After the strain caused by the King and Kate’s health battles, the royals will focus on making it a really fun and enchanting Christmas for them. They’ll welcome some light relief, and the children will provide that.”
In 2022, the Duchess of York found herself back in the Royal fold after thirty years, spending time with Prince Andrew at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. It was like a festive fairy tale for her when she got the nod to join Prince Andrew and their daughters for the traditional Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene Church.
Royal expert Robert commented: “They can’t go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service,” adding that “It’s useful that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be involved.”
The Royal Christmas will feel the absence of some key figures this year, leaving a noticeable gap in the celebrations. A palace insider revealed: “I’m sure it’ll play on the King’s mind that he’s unlikely to see Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to remain in California. The whole Harry scenario will loom large over the royals. He’s a very lively character so he’s very much missed, but it’s difficult for the family to trust him.”
Reflecting on previous years, the late Queen Elizabeth II had her fair share of Christmas venue changeschoosing Windsor Castle when convenient in the 60s, returning there in 1988 due to renovations, and celebrating her final Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor in 2020 amidst the pandemic.
King Charles’ reign doesn’t necessarily mean a break from all traditions, according to Robert. He notes that “nothing dramatic has changed”.
Regular Royal customs continue: the distribution of official Christmas cards, charity events, festive decorations at palaces, traditional carol singing, and the anticipated pre-Christmas luncheon that sees royals from all ranks gather for a grand meal, which was once held at Buckingham Palace and now at Windsor Castle.
Prince Harry reveals his father’s nightly prayers, showing his devout nature. The King is set to attend church on Christmas Eve. Royal expert Robert has shared how the Royal Family’s Christmas traditions have evolved under King Charles. “They still open the presents on Christmas Eve, attend the church service and tuck into a big lunch before watching the King’s speech as a family,” he discloses.
“But Charles is less demanding of his guests than his parents were. He understands people have other commitments and doesn’t expect them to hang around for the full three days. Camilla will be in charge of hosting. She’ll make sure the tree is decorated just the way he likes it.”
Duncan pointed out that some old traditions have fallen by the wayside, saying: “In the past, female guests, like Kate, were required to pack up to seven different outfits,” but now, “That doesn’t happen any more the dress code is far more relaxed,” he confirms. There’s also a notable change in the King’s schedule.
Unlike his mother who would remain until February to mark her father’s death, the King and Queen Consort are now opting for a getaway to Balmoral.
This year marks the third Christmas without the late Queen and the fourth without the Duke of Edinburgh’s larger-than-life presence. “Sandringham brings back lovely memories of them. They’ll both be terribly missed and very much in the family’s prayers,” Ingrid Seward, Royal commentator and author of ‘My Mother And I’, shared.
“I imagine the King will also take a moment to reflect on the wonderful Christmases he spent at Windsor Castle when he was George’s age. All his cousins would come to stay and it was magical for them.”
The monarch’s renowned work ethic is expected to shape his festive season. “The King works really, really hard,” his former butler Grant Harrold disclosed.
“Although Christmas Day is a holiday, I can assure you he’ll be working on and off, like the late Queen used to. He doesn’t stop thinking about work.”
