December 24th 2024.
The holiday season is a time for cherished traditions and family gatherings, and the British Royal Family is no exception. This year, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. As they came together to celebrate Christmas, the royals blended old customs with modern touches.
Despite facing tough changes and uncertainty, the Royal Family found solace in their annual festivities at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This sprawling 20,000-acre estate, built by Queen Victoria for her son, Prince Albert Edward, has been the site of the family's Christmas celebration since the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign. However, this year's gathering will have some notable absences.
While King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be in attendance, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the rest of the royals. The couple, who remain estranged from the family, will be spending Christmas at their home in California. Despite this, the King has extended an invitation to them, but it is unlikely they will attend due to Meghan's family being in the US.
Another absence from this year's festivities will be Prince Andrew, who has been convinced not to attend by his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. This decision comes after his past controversies and recent scandal over his ties to an alleged Chinese spy. However, the rest of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children, Princess Anne and her family, and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, along with his wife and children, will be present.
The royal Christmas celebrations kick off on Christmas Eve with a family gathering in the White Drawing Room. Here, they put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree before a lavish gift-giving ceremony. In a nod to their German heritage, the family exchanges gifts on the night before Christmas. This tradition sees a lively and informal 'free-for-all,' where presents are more about humor and creativity than grandeur.
On Christmas Day, the family enjoys a grand lunch back at the Sandringham Estate, featuring traditional dishes and festive decorations. In the afternoon, they may tune in to King Charles' heartfelt Christmas message to the nation. One of the more unique traditions involves weighing guests before and after the Christmas feast, a practice believed to have originated with King Edward VII to ensure everyone has eaten heartily.
The evening of Christmas Day is often spent in a cozy and familiar way, with the family gathered around the fireplace, playing board games and charades, and simply enjoying each other's company. This year, as they continue to navigate through challenging times, the Royal Family will find comfort in their holiday traditions and the joy of being together.
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