The royals who join King Charles and Queen Camilla for the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham are met with a packed itinerary.
Although King Charles has modernised some aspects since ascending the throne, the festive schedule remains largely unchanged from when the late Queen Elizabeth was the hostess.
The Master of the Household would distribute a strict 72-hour timetable, dictating the precise times for waking, socialising, dining, and bedtime. Royal author Robert Jobson shared insights: “The schedule still exists and it’s really quite exhausting,” he said.
“One minute you’re doing one thing, then you have to change for drinks, then get changed again for dinner.”
After what is often recalled as a joyful yet hectic Christmas Eve, where presents are exchanged, Christmas Day is structured with several traditions reports the Mirror.
These include the iconic walk to church—this being the only public aspect of their celebration—a few glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and a punctual Christmas dinner at 1pm.
The Christmas festivities at Sandringham are an epitome of Royal splendour. Following the Christmas meal and the fun of popping novelty crackers, complete with the cheesy jokes that the late Queen cherished, the family gathers in the magnificent saloon, which also serves as the setting for their traditional afternoon tea on Christmas Eve.
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Royal expert Jobson reveals, “They retire there to watch the King’s pre-recorded Christmas message at 3pm, all standing for the National Anthem,” The grand double-height room, complete with a Minstrel’s gallery, rich wood panelling, and ornate chandeliers, morphs into a snug hub for family entertainment, filled with TV watching and games. Weather permitting, they might even take an afternoon walk around the grounds.
This 19-century saloon, both grand and inviting at the entrance of the house, has long been the preferred gathering spot for the Royal Family. It’s decked out with a wooden dining table, cream sofas, and a piano showcasing family photos.
In this opulent setting, the King, his family, and numerous grandchildren will gather to watch His Majesty’s heartfelt Christmas broadcast – an event as ingrained in British traditions as the Christmas dinner or tuning in to cherished festive TV shows.
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