The royal family is gearing up for a festive Christmas this year, with celebrations set to take place at various royal residences. At Windsor Castle, a towering 20-foot Nordmann fir tree is decorated with thousands of lights in St George’s Hall, while Buckingham Palace features three stunning trees in the Marble Hall. The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland is no exception, with the royal dining room adorned with sugared fruits and foliage.
Preparations are also underway at Sandringham House, the scenic Norfolk estate where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the festivities. Since 1988, Sandringham has been the traditional venue for royal Christmas celebrations, which commence on Christmas Eve and conclude with a Boxing Day hunt on December 26. The gathering will include a significant portion of the royal family, notably Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7).
While last year William mentioned that 45 guests were expected for the celebration, this year carries a bittersweet tone. Although Charles has been in good spirits, he continues to navigate the complexities of his cancer treatment, while Kate celebrates her first Christmas since announcing her remission from cancer in January. A source close to the family noted, “The celebration may carry a wistful tone; however, it will also be a time of celebration, especially after Kate received the all-clear.”
Family Traditions and New Beginnings
This Christmas marks the first for William and Kate in their new home, Forest Lodge, after relocating from Adelaide Cottage in late October. A source shared that they are eager to “create memories in what they consider their forever home.” The couple has established holiday traditions, including tree-farming excursions, baking, and watching festive films, with Elf being a family favorite.
Typically, William and Kate alternate Christmas celebrations between his family and the Middletons, but this year, the Middletons are expected to join them at Sandringham. The children, excited for the festivities, reflect the couple’s effort to maintain a grounded and traditional holiday atmosphere. “They want to create a traditional Christmas without airs and graces,” the source added.
Kate’s Together at Christmas carol service, scheduled for filming on December 5, is anticipated to be a highlight of the season. With performances by Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, the event aims to promote themes of happiness and love, resonating with the royal family’s holiday spirit.
Challenges and Optimism for the Future
Despite the cheerful preparations, the royal family has faced significant challenges recently. In October, Charles’s younger brother, Prince Andrew, was stripped of his royal titles due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Following this, Andrew was evicted from his Windsor estate, with Buckingham Palace confirming he must vacate the premises.
Additionally, tensions remain between Charles and his son Prince Harry. The two had a face-to-face meeting in London, their first in 19 months, but sources reveal that issues of trust continue to cloud their relationship. There are concerns about whether Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will receive an invitation to join the family for Christmas, especially after their attendance at high-profile events in Hollywood.
Despite these complexities, Charles is determined to make this holiday memorable. A source stated, “Charles prioritizes duty, but he’s also a family man who knows his time is precious.” He is expected to participate in the annual walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning and record his Christmas speech, which has historically attracted millions of viewers.
The guest list for this year will be notably different, as Andrew is not invited. Royal historian Marlene Koenig described the traditional Christmas festivities, including afternoon tea with classic British treats and a black-tie dinner where humor reigns supreme in gift-giving.
After church on Christmas morning, the family will return for a traditional lunch featuring turkey and all the trimmings, followed by the king’s speech and an evening buffet. Despite the challenges faced throughout the year, there remains an atmosphere of hope and joy around the royal family’s celebrations. “Every family Christmas is precious, but it’s especially so for him this year,” the source remarked, emphasizing the significance of spending quality time together.
