The Queen always celebrated one Christmas tradition the same way during her reign – but King Charles and Queen Camilla now do things very differently.
Members of the Royal Family are in the midst of what is expected to be yet another busy festive period. Charles and Camilla, along with Prince William, began the celebrations with the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.
However, the yuletide festivities are far from over. One much-anticipated event is the Christmas luncheon, which sees the reigning monarch invite dozens of royals to dine together in the week leading up to Christmas.
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However, the current King and Queen have put their own twist on the occasion ever since coming to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II would historically host the meal – which typically falls on the Wednesday before December 25 – at Buckingham Palace.
However, since 2022, Charles and Camilla have invited relatives to spend the afternoon at Windsor Castle instead.
The meal is held before the most senior royals make their way to their residence in Sandringham to celebrate Christmas Day in Norfolk. Mike Tindall previously opened up about the event, which also welcomes less senior members of the Firm.
He told JOE UK’s House of Rugby podcast in 2019: “I didn’t drink actually, this is the other one, the family lunch there must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on Prince Charles’ table. It was lovely, really good.”
Last year marked the second time the monarch held the luncheon at Windsor. Attendees included The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, 21; Prince Edward and Sophie; and Princess Anne.
A video posted to TikTok taken from inside the lavish palace showed off its stunning festive decorations, including several Christmas trees adorned with lights and baubles and a banquet table decorated with mini-trees.
It is unclear where Charles and Camilla will host their luncheon this year before heading to Sandringham privately, but if the last two years are anything to go by, it’s likely they will be heading out of London to dine with relatives.