2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Michelle Garnett)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info They might be the most famous family in the world, but at Christmas , the royals’ wish list is rather conventional: happiness, good health and being together.
Queen Elizabeth II adored having her family around her. “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 King Charles , following a year blighted by illness , hunkering down with his loved ones on his Norfolk estate, Sandringham, will prove a much needed tonic.
“The tradition of togetherness at Christmas was a big thing for the late Queen but it’s important for Charles, too, especially this year,” says Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, The Princess Of Wales. “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.
” His Majesty’s marriage to Queen Camilla has made him head of the kind of blended family millions of us will recognise . He has five grandchildren from his two sons – Prince George , Princess Charlotte , Prince Louis , Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Then there’s an additional five step-grandchildren on his wife’s side – Lola, Eliza, Louis (yes, another one), Gus and Freddy.
In previous years, Queen Camilla would slip away after lunch on Christmas Day to quaff red wine with her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and daughter Laura Lopes. But, last year, the King opened his doors to her extended clan. “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 2022, the Duchess of York was invited back into the fold for the first time in 30 years, tucked away with the disgraced Duke of York at Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the estate. But it must have felt like all her Christmases had come at once last year when she was invited to join Prince Andrew and her daughters for the annual walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day. “They can’t go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service,” says Robert.
“It’s useful that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be involved.” Some members of the family will be conspicuous in their absence.
“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.
” The late Queen endured her own Christmas disruptions. In the 1960s, when the children were in danger of outnumbering the adults, Windsor Castle proved a more attractive base, before a rewiring project in 1988 prompted a return to Norfolk. During the Covid pandemic, she again retreated to Windsor, spending her final Christmas with her husband there in 2020 .
For King Charles, a new reign is the chance to throw out the rule book, but, Robert says, “nothing dramatic has changed”. The official Christmas cards are sent, parties are thrown for charitable causes, the royal residences are dressed in their finest and carols are sung. The King will host the annual pre-Christmas luncheon, formerly at Buckingham Palace, more recently at Windsor Castle, where minor royals mingle with the big players for a slap-up sit-down feast.
And, as a deeply spiritual man, who, according to Prince Harry , prays every night, he will make a point of attending church on Christmas Eve. “ 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,” adds Robert. “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.
” Some traditions have been consigned to the history books. “In the past, female guests, like Kate, were required to pack up to seven different outfits,” says Duncan. That would include full-length gown and jewels for Christmas Eve dinner, a casual number for breakfast, a smart outfit and hat for church, a dress for lunch and a cocktail dress for early evening drinks.
“That doesn’t happen any more – the dress code is far more relaxed,” he adds. Another change is the King’s departure date. While his mother stayed into February to mark the anniversary of her father’s death, the King and Queen prefer to head to Balmoral.
This will be the third Christmas without the late Queen and the fourth without the larger-than-life Duke of Edinburgh . “Sandringham evokes lovely memories of them. They’ll both be terribly missed and very much in the family’s prayers,” says Ingrid Seward, royal commentator and author of My Mother And I.
“I should think 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.” These days the monarch’s strong work ethic is likely to impact his Christmas.
“The King works really, really hard,” explains his former butler Grant Harrold. “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.
” There’s no doubt that King Charles’ Christmas message will reflect many of the values and traditions close to his heart: duty, religion, peace and, of course, family. As he closes the book on a sombre year and opens a new chapter, we’ll all be raising a glass to a happier and healthier 2025. In this special issue of OK!, we take you on a journey to experience the wonder and majesty of a Christmas with the Windsors – from their shopping secrets and favourite dishes, to the fashion choices and the fun and games behind the scenes at Sandringham.
We also reflect on one of the most testing 12 months in recent royal history, including illness affecting the King and Princess of Wales, and take a look back at some of our favourite festive royal moments over the years...
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