Royal Family Planning a ‘Special’ Christmas for King Charles — But There’s an ‘Unspoken Rule’
Christmas remains one of the most cherished and closely watched traditions within the royal family. Each year, the royals come together at the Sandringham estate, where they exchange gifts and attend church as part of their long-standing celebrations. This year's festivities will be grander, with King Charles and his family gearing up for a 'special' Christmas, especially after his positive health update. However, guests are expected to follow a strict rule set by the King: don't be late, as the tightly packed schedule allows no room for delays.
Christmas in the royal household is no small feat, marked by a strict timetable and multiple outfit changes across three days. In an article for HELLO!, royal expert Robert Jobson shared details about the King's busy schedule at Sandringham on the big day. He penned, "There's an unspoken rule for guests: do not arrive late. There is no grace period. After completing the odd custom, dating back to Edward VII, of being weighed on antique jockey's scales, guests are on the clock." He also shared that the royals, as tradition dictates, are expected to change for a formal lunch served in the dining room at noon, before embarking on an afternoon walk when the schedule loosens up.
On Christmas morning, the royals embark on their much-anticipated walkabout to and from St. Mary Magdalene's Church. However, Jobson revealed an intriguing detail, one that remains unknown even to the most ardent royal fans. He wrote, "What many do not realize is that the King and his family will have been to church once already that morning for a private service, away from the cameras and onlookers."
Following the Christmas Day church service, the family gears up for lunch, where all the trimmings and royal dining table are laid out with luxury crackers, made by the royal warrant holder Tom Smith. "Everyone, even the King, wears paper hats from inside the crackers."
As Jobson rightly notes, this year's holiday is particularly 'special' for the family following Charles's positive health update on his reduced cancer treatment. The occasion is meaningful not only for Charles but also for Kate Middleton, who will be celebrating her first Christmas since entering remission. The expert explained, "The year has ended on a very positive note for the King, and the good news regarding his health will undoubtedly lift his spirits and those of the people around him. It will have brought reassurance to both him and his family."
The coveted guest list for the royal family's annual Christmas notably excludes Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Sarah Ferguson, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, all of whom are no longer senior working royals. Princess Beatrice will also miss this year, deciding to travel abroad. Those expected to attend include Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, along with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie are also likely to join alongside their children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex. Additionally, Princess Anne is expected, accompanied by Zara and Mike Tindall and their three children.