King Charles Offers a Rare Peek Inside The Royal Family's Christmas Retreat In Latest Photos

King Charles shakes hands with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, at Sandringham estate. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Aaron Chown - WPA Pool)

Jul. 25 2025, Published 08:45 AM. ET

On Thursday, July 24, King Charles welcomed Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The monarch hosted the foreign leaders separately, highlighting the UK’s unity and strong diplomatic ties with both nations. After the private audience, the royal family’s social media shared a photo of the King smiling and shaking hands with Sandu and Modi. Royal watchers were treated to a rare glimpse of his plush estate, the cherished residence where the royal family celebrates Christmas and rings in the New Year.

King Charles meets Moldovan President Maia Sandu during an audience at the Sandringham Estate. (Image Source: Getty Images| Aaron Chown - WPA Pool)

As reported by People magazine, Charles posed with Sandu and Modi for photos in the Saloon, the main reception room of Sandringham House. Behind them, a fireplace added warmth to the setting, while large plants throughout the room soaked up plenty of natural light streaming in from large windows. The royal family’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year at Sandringham was started by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1988, meaning all of her grandchildren grew up holidaying in Norfolk.

King Charles meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an audience at the Sandringham Estate. (Image Source: Getty Images| Aaron Chown - WPA Pool)

The Christmas holiday tradition at Sandringham began when the late Queen delivered her first-ever televised Christmas message there in 1957. The Saloon, the largest room in the house, serves as the main room for the royals and their guests. It holds rich historical significance, having originally been used as a ballroom for dances until a new one was built. The room also features a minstrels' gallery designed to accommodate musicians during gatherings. Notably, it houses portraits of the late Queen, as the royals remember her on the family occasion. As per the Daily Mail, the Saloon spans two floors and is furnished with a wooden dining table, intricate tapestries, cream sofas, and a piano adorned with photos.

King Charles and the royal family attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham. (Image Source: Getty Images| Jordan Peck) — King Charles and the royal family attend the Christmas Morning service at Sandringham. (Image Source: Getty Images| Jordan Peck)

On Christmas Day, the royal family gathers at 1 pm for a festive meal filled with jokes and good fellowship. Once the meal is over, they retreat to the Saloon to unwind, sip Veuve Clicquot champagne, and enjoy each other’s company. At 3 pm, as per tradition, all eyes turn to the television to watch Charles’ pre-recorded Christmas Day speech. If the weather permits, the royals even take a stroll around Sandringham’s grounds, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. One quirky tradition also involves the monarch weighing guests after dinner using antique scales, a custom meant to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves and is being 'well fed.' According to Fox News, the tradition dates back to King Edward VII’s reign in the early 1900s and applies to all members of the royal clan.

Coming back to the King's audience with the foreign dignitaries, Modi gifted Charles a tree to be planted this autumn, inspired by an environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister to encourage individuals to plant a tree in honor of their mothers. Meanwhile, as per a statement, Sandu's discussion with Charles focused on the UK’s support for the democratic path of the Republic of Moldova.