The royal family holds a deep affection for tradition, especially during the festive season.
However, this Christmas might see a change in the usual customs since the King completed the initial year of his reign in September.
While Charles and Queen Camilla are anticipated to host the royals at Sandringham House in Norfolk on December 25th, there are some new faces on the guest list.
As reported by ITV’s royal editor, Chris Ship, the Queen has extended an invitation to her children and grandchildren to join the royal Christmas lunch for the first time this year.
Camilla, mother to Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes from her previous marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, has an extended family. Tom shares parenthood with Sara Buys, having daughter Lola and son Freddy. Laura, with her husband Harry, parents Eliza and twin sons, Gus and Louis.
To accommodate these additional guests, this year’s Christmas lunch will be served in the larger ballroom of Sandringham House, deviating from the customary dining room setting.
On Christmas morning, the King and Queen are expected to be joined by the rest of the royal family for church services. Last year marked the debut of Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, at this annual outing.
The attendance of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from California is yet to be confirmed.
Traditionally, the late Queen Elizabeth II would arrive at King’s Lynn station by train for her Christmas break. However, last year, Charles and Camilla opted for private travel to their Norfolk residence.
Since 1988, the royal family has celebrated Christmas at Sandringham. In 2020 and 2021, circumstances led to deviations from this tradition, with the royals staying at Windsor Castle due to the pandemic.
In 2022, Christmas returned to Sandringham as the King and Queen played hosts for the first time during their reign.
The festive celebrations commence on December 24th when the family engages in the tradition of exchanging gifts, known as Heiligabend Bescherung. This Christmas Eve custom, popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, pays homage to their German ancestry.
Following the gift exchange, the royals dress for dinner, with the men donning black tie and the ladies adorned in evening gowns. The table is set with the finest dinnerware, continuing the regal Christmas traditions.
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