How does the royal family celebrate Christmas?

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for historical fiction and royal intrigue, I find the traditions of the British Royal Family during Christmas to be nothing short of fascinating! The idea of a special gift exchange on Christmas Eve is something that even the most avid gamers like me can appreciate, especially when it’s part of a long-held tradition.

The festive season has arrived, which signifies getting together with loved ones – friends and family. You may wonder how the royal family observes Christmas. Given their unique status, it’s likely that they celebrate in a way distinct from our traditions.

Over time, the royal household has consistently adhered to a series of Christmas rituals. For instance, they often organize festive events at their Sandringham estate. This is where they unwind and cherish spending time together. Let me share some of the annual traditions they uphold:

The royal family has a special gift exchange

As a gamer, I can’t help but get excited about the role-up we have during our festive gatherings. On the eve of Christmas, the royal exchange takes place – an exciting event where gifts are swapped among the adults. The daytime is filled with this activity, while at night, the children are the lucky recipients of these thoughtful presents.

According to former royal butler Grant Harrold speaking for Spin Genie, King Charles and Camilla are expected to arrive close to Christmas Eve. During the afternoon, they typically enjoy tea time together, an unexpected tradition that also includes exchanging gifts.

Harold clarifies that the occasions for giving presents to children and adults are distinct, allowing adults to engage in socializing. He mentions that exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve is an age-old custom they follow.

On that very night, Santa continued his journey to deliver gifts to the children. However, for the grown-ups, it was an opportunity to swap their own Christmas presents with one another, as Harold explained. This custom of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve is traced back to the German branch of the family.

The royals attend Christmas church services

On Christmas Day, the family heads to church for services, aiming to infuse their festivities with spirituality. Harrold mentions that even the late Queen Elizabeth was devoted to this tradition, always attending a service in the morning.

According to Harrold, Christmas morning is primarily about the religious significance for the Queen. Few people might be aware that she attends church around 8:00 a.m., which marks the start of the service. It’s important to note that there are no journalists present at this early hour, as it provides a peaceful moment for her.

Harold mentions that they plan to go to another church service later on in the afternoon. The Christmas meal happened following this service.

Everyone gathers for a family lunch

Before her passing, Queen Elizabeth traditionally held a Christmas lunch each year. For the first such event following her demise, it was King Charles and Queen Camilla who hosted the lunch last year at Windsor Castle.

According to Harrold, they typically enjoy a classic Christmas meal that includes goose, turkey, and all the traditional sides. He mentioned it as a formal gathering where the entire family comes together.

Will Christmas plans change this year?

As a devoted admirer, I’ve picked up whispers suggesting that this year, Kate Middleton and Prince William might be tweaking their traditional Christmas celebrations. Reputable sources hint that they’ll be hosting a casual get-together right in their very own abode.

As reported by The Daily Beast, this year’s celebrations are expected to be more subdued primarily because of the health concerns surrounding King Charles III and Princess Kate Middleton, who both received a cancer diagnosis earlier in 2023.

Instead, Harold indicates that he doesn’t anticipate any alterations in his plans. As far as he’s concerned, this year’s Christmas will resemble those from past years.

Harold remarks, “I suspect nothing about Christmas will alter this year. It’s likely to remain the same, with no need for adjustments. The king will probably still visit Sandringham, and the family is expected to gather just as they always do.

Harold emphasizes that the royals typically plan well in advance, which means unexpected changes or surprises are seldom seen. It’s uncommon for them to make sudden alterations at the last minute.

According to Harrold, the royal schedule is typically arranged several months ahead of time. This means that accommodations, invitations for guests, and advance orders for food are all taken care of. He assures us that everything should proceed smoothly, just as usual.

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2024-12-01 13:14