King Charles Tipped to Make a ‘Big Change’ to Royal Christmas Celebrations: Former Butler
The royal family has traditionally celebrated Christmas at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a custom dating back to King Edward VII in the early 1900s. While no monarch has challenged the long-standing tradition, former royal butler Grant Harrold believes King Charles may bring a ‘big change’ and celebrate Christmas with the family at Windsor Castle. To date, the royal family has marked Christmas at Windsor only twice: once in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and during World War II for safety reasons.
In an interview with GB News, Harrold revealed that the royals were forced to relocate their Christmas holidays from Windsor to Sandringham after a fire broke out in the Castle. He said, "The trip to Norfolk has been a part of their annual diary ever since, but I think the King may make another change and bring Christmas back to Windsor Castle. If not this year, in the near future. I think this could be another big change that the King brings in." The former royal butler stressed that Charles has made ‘big changes’ to the family’s annual summer holiday, thus proving that he is not afraid to adapt if it works for his family.
Harrold further explained why it makes more sense for the King to celebrate Christmas at Windsor, instead of Sandringham. He said, "It’s a lot easier for them to have Christmas at Windsor; it’s much closer for all of them. It’s where the King’s parents and grandparents are laid to rest, so it’s very special to him." He added, "However, the King does like Sandringham. If he doesn’t go at Christmas, he won’t be back there for several months." He also strongly believes that Charles could relocate the royal family’s central hub to Windsor instead of Buckingham Palace, because it was the late Queen Elizabeth’s official residence.
Harrold argued, "While Buckingham Palace is under renovation, I think there’s more to it than that. Being a traditionalist, the King loves Windsor." Harrold also cited Prince William and Kate Middleton’s upcoming move to Forest Lodge, their 'forever home,' to argue his case. "I think William will use Windsor as his official base as well. They will, of course, still use London for certain events, but I think it will become like Palaces elsewhere in Europe, where it's more of a visitor and historical place."
The royal family’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year at Sandringham was pushed for by Queen Elizabeth in 1988, meaning all of her grandchildren grew up vacationing in Norfolk. On Christmas Day, the royal family usually gathers at 1 pm for a festive meal filled with jokes and good fellowship. Later, they retreat to the Saloon room to unwind, sip Veuve Clicquot champagne, and enjoy each other’s company. At 3 pm, as per tradition, they gather together to watch the monarch’s pre-recorded Christmas speech. If the weather is clear, the royals stroll around Sandringham’s grounds, soaking in the serene surroundings.