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.
Queen Elizabeth II has always cherished having her family around her during the festive season.
“One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree,” she said in her 2015 Christmas message. 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, told OK!exclusively.
“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 III’s 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. Additionally, he has five step-grandchildren through Queen Camilla – Lola, Eliza, another Louis, Gus, and Freddy, as reported by OK!, reports the Mirror.
In previous years, Queen Camilla would often slip away after Christmas lunch for a glass of red wine with her children, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. However, last year marked a change with King Charles opening his home to Camilla’s wider family.
“Throw in the Tindalls’ three plus Beatrice and Eugenie’s kids, and it will be chaos – a Christmas dominated by children,” says Royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “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 a remarkable turn of events, the Duchess of York found herself back in the Royal fold in 2022 after thirty years, spending time with Prince Andrew at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. The invitation to join her daughters and Prince Andrew for the traditional Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene Church must have been an extraordinary moment for her.
Royal commentator Robert noted, “They can’t go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service,” adding that William and Kate’s nearby residence, Anmer Hall, conveniently allows for Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, to take part in the celebrations.
However, this year’s Royal Christmas will be marked by notable absences, casting a shadow over the festivities. 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 changes—choosing Windsor Castle when convenient in the 1960s, returning there in 1988 due to renovations, and celebrating her final Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor during the pandemic in 2020.
Royal expert Robert has revealed how the Royal Family’s festive traditions have undergone a seamless transition under King Charles’ reign, insisting “nothing dramatic has changed”. Despite being sovereign, King Charles continues to uphold timeless Royal Christmas practices—present exchanging on Christmas Eve, attending church services, savouring a grand luncheon which has shifted from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle, and enjoying the King’s Speech together are all still on the agenda.
Prince Harry divulged his dad’s evening devotions, confirming that the monarch’s commitment to faith remains steadfast with church attendance scheduled for Christmas Eve. Robert shared insights into the subtle transformations since King Charles ascended the throne: “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,” and added, “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 some bygone Royal traditions, stating: “In the past, female guests, like Kate, were required to pack up to seven different outfits,” but now things have changed as “That doesn’t happen any more – the dress code is far more relaxed,” he explains. The Royal festivities are also seeing another adjustment with the King’s altered Sandringham stay.
Differing from his late mother who would remain until February in memory of her father, he and the Queen have opted for a Balmoral getaway instead.
It will be a poignant time at Sandringham: this marks the third Christmas without Her Majesty and the fourth since we lost the Duke of Edinburgh’s larger-than-life presence. Ingrid Seward, Royal commentator and author of ‘My Mother And I’, shared her thoughts on the season: “Sandringham brings back lovely memories of them. They’ll both be terribly missed and very much in the family’s prayers,” she revealed.
She imagines how the King might recall his own childhood Yuletides: “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.”
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The King’s reputation for diligence will also impact his festive period, as shared by former butler Grant Harrold: “The King works really, really hard,” he disclosed. Even on Christmas Day, when most are resting, the monarch isn’t entirely off-duty: “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.”
King Charles’ Christmas message is sure to reflect the values and traditions he holds dear: duty, religion, peace and, of course, family. As we bid farewell to a challenging year and welcome 2025, we’ll all be raising a glass to a happier, healthier future.
In this exclusive OK! edition, we offer you a glimpse into the splendour and magic of a Windsor Christmas – from their shopping secrets and favourite dishes, to their fashion choices and the behind-the-scenes merriment at Sandringham. We also pause to reflect on one of the most testing years in recent Royal history, including health struggles faced by the King and Princess of Wales, and look back at some of our favourite festive Royal moments over the years….
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