The Royal Family traditionally gathers at Sandringham each year to celebrate Christmas, but it may not be as grand as one might imagine. The Firm joins King Charles at his Norfolk estate, a tradition upheld from the time of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Prince William disclosed earlier this month at an event for families of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment at Picton Barracks in Wiltshire that 45 royals would be attending Sandringham this year. Despite the extensive guest list, the residence is among the smallest and least grand, making it a bit of a squeeze for King Charles and Queen Camilla to accommodate their guests.
The estate reportedly sleeps around 16 to 18 people comfortably, meaning some guests have to make do with shared rooms and ‘fish finger’ style beds. When they run out of beds, the staff quarters are converted into guest rooms, according to an expert, reports the Mirror.
Royal commentator Rebecca English told MailOnline: “In previous years I’ve been told that they’ve actually had to kick staff out of their quarters. And Edward and Sophie were put in some of the staff quarters because they had nowhere else to stay.”
She added: “It sounds more glamorous than it is.”
The expert further explained that the royals manage to fit so many beds into one room by using old-fashioned “fish finger beds” complete with “creaky bedsprings”.
The exact number of bedrooms in Sandringham House remains a mystery as it’s a private abode, but it’s estimated to house around 30. The Royal Christmas Eve tradition sees guests arriving by seniority, with the younger royals first.
The festivities on December 25 kick off with breakfast, followed by a short walk to the 11am service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate, where they’re known for greeting the public afterwards. Back at Sandringham, the royals indulge in pre-lunch drinks, often choosing Veuve Cliquot champagne, before the 1pm Christmas Dinner.
They skip starters, heading straight for the main course of turkey, sourced from Scoles of Dersingham, accompanied by an array of vegetables and sauces. A spectacular flaming Christmas pudding arrives next, served with brandy butter and sauce, followed by a cheese course with port.
Earlier in December, Prince William admitted he was “no way” prepared for the holiday season, yet shared his enthusiasm for festive dog walks and family time. He looked forward to “all in one room” moments with relatives.
This Wednesday saw the Princess of Wales dazzling in green, holding Prince Louis’ hand en route to the Sandringham church service. King Charles, with Queen Camilla at his side, led the Royal Family to their customary Christmas Day church attendance.
Prince William and Kate were spotted next, with Kate donning a forest green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, a matching hat, and a green tartan scarf. Little Louis looked all grown up in a suit and overcoat, complete with a green tie.
Also part of the procession were Princess Anne, Edward and Sophie the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Mike and Zara Tindall with their children, as well as an expecting Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son Wolfie. The royals who walked to the service were welcomed at the foot of the church steps by Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams.
They then proceeded inside where the National Anthem was sung before the first hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful. Notably absent was Prince Andrew, who has been embroiled in controversy due to alleged links to a Chinese spy.
Andrew, 64, had attended the family church service for the past two years but was reportedly planning to spend Christmas Day with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York this year. Their Christmas was expected to be spent at Royal Lodge, their shared home in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
The appearance of William, Kate and their three children on Christmas day comes after they missed the royals’ annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace last week. This festive gathering, which usually takes place a week before Christmas, is held for all members of the Royal Family, with around 70 of the King’s relatives invited to the celebration.
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