The royal family has fascinating Christmas traditions, as Queen Elizabeth II started the custom of going to Sandringham for the holidays. King Charles is set to have the biggest Christmas ever in years, with forty-five royals reportedly attending the festivities.
This year, we look at some of the royal family Christmas activities of the past, as in some ways, the royals aren’t so different from us in how they celebrate.
Gift-giving Takes Place Christmas Eve
Gift-giving on Christmas Eve is a cherished royal family tradition, but some royals prefer the old-fashioned gift opening to take place on Christmas.
When Prince William and Kate Middleton are King and Queen, they won’t have Christmas Eve gift-exchanging, which Princess Kate finds “weird.” She has said she will replace this approach straight away when they are running the show.
A royal source exclaimed, “You can bet your bottom dollar they will be doing proper presents for each other and the kids there (at Sandringham) on Christmas Day.”
The royals also see gift-giving as a lighthearted affair. It’s a family tradition for the royal family to buy each other “gag gifts.”
Another Princess of Wales wasn’t so fond of the awkward gift-exchanging ritual. Princess Diana showed up for her first royal family Christmas at Sandringham pregnant with Prince William, but still took the time to find beautiful expensive gifts for the royals.
She hated Christmas at Sandringham right from the get-go. She gave Princess Anne a cashmere sweater, and in exchange, she received a toilet paper holder. Diana wasn’t amused. On Christmas Eve, the royal family spreads their gifts out on a trestle table and opens them during teatime.
There is also a long-held tradition of playing football at the annual Sandringham Christmas football match. When Prince William and Prince Harry were on good terms, they enjoyed playing football together. Unfortunately, this tradition may not be repeated due to the brother’s royal rift.
The Walk To Church Is A Beloved Tradition For The Royal Family
Black-tie dinner is on Christmas Eve, which starts with pre-dinner martinis, and guests attend the lavish four-course feast wearing regal ballgowns, tiaras, and jewels.
The main course typically involves beef after a helping of different cheeses. The late Queen often had chocolate for dessert, which was her favorite.
All members of the royal family attend church service on Christmas day at St. Mary Magdelene in Sandringham, a sixteenth-century parish located on the Sandringham estate.
The royals look forward to the morning walk to church. It offers the media a chance to photograph them together, demonstrating their unity and the importance of faith to the royal family.
Another tradition is their annual Christmas cards. The royals take great care in unveiling their Christmas cards, which usually feature a picture of their immediate family.
This year, William and Kate shared a personal Christmas card with them pictured with their children, Princes George, Louis, and Princess Charlotte, in Norfolk.
The Royals Release Their Annual Christmas Cards
In addition, the royals send out hundreds of Christmas cards. The late Queen and Prince Phillip would send about 750 Christmas cards yearly.
The royals also donate to several charities during the holidays. Queen Elizabeth donated trees to Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Other churches and schools would also benefit from the Queen’s tree donations. King Charles carried on that tradition this year.
The King will also send the historic Christmas message, which is broadcast on various television stations in the UK. It is a message of hope and goodwill.
Last year, during part of his message, he spoke of being of service to those in need and helping our fellow man.
“Service lies at the heart of the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his example how to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
The royal family may celebrate Christmas differently, but they strive to celebrate and honor the story of Christmas every holiday.
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