King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to host this year’s Christmas gathering at the historic Sandringham estate in Norfolk, a tradition established by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The royal estate will welcome numerous family members, marking one of the few occasions when the entire family comes together for an extended period.
Among those expected to join the celebrations are Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children—Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, aged 10, and Prince Louis, aged 7. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will also be present, along with Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex. Additionally, Anne, Princess Royal, and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, are anticipated to attend, as well as Zara and Mike Tindall with their three children, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their families.
Royal author Katie Nicholl noted, “There are only two occasions in the year when the whole family gets together for any length of time—during the summer at Balmoral and then at Christmas at Sandringham.” For King Charles, Christmas Day serves as a rare respite from official duties, as he avoids reading government papers to focus on family and faith.
Last year, the Sandringham gathering reportedly hosted around 45 guests, making it one of the largest festive reunions in recent history. With approximately 29 bedrooms and over 100 rooms, the estate comfortably accommodates the influx of family members. Invitations this year extended to Camilla’s family, including her son Tom Parker Bowles and his children, as well as her daughter Laura Lopes and her family.
Details of the royal Christmas festivities reveal a blend of tradition and modernity. The evening begins with a tea featuring dainty sandwiches and cakes, followed by the exchange of novelty gifts—a practice rooted in the family’s German heritage. Kate Middleton explained, “The ethos of the gifting is that they should be thoughtful presents, not overly extravagant or expensive. And anything that’s funny or humorous gets the seal of approval.”
Prince Harry, in his memoir Spare, described this gift exchange as a lively free-for-all, with family members eagerly tearing open presents. The evening culminates in a lavish candlelit dinner, with men dressed in black tie and women in evening gowns. The meal typically includes traditional dishes such as venison sourced from the estate, along with a dessert like tarte tatin or chocolate perfection pie, a favorite of the late Queen.
While the family’s Christmas customs have remained relatively consistent, King Charles has relaxed some of the previous protocols. Katie Nicholl shared that the rigid rules of the past, including multiple outfit changes throughout the day, have been eased under the new monarch’s reign. Following breakfast on Christmas morning, the family embarks on their annual walk to St Mary Magdalene Church for an 11:00 service, engaging with well-wishers along the route.
The Christmas lunch features a Norfolk-reared roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, accompanied by an array of vegetables and a flaming Christmas pudding to finish. At 15:00, the family gathers around the television to watch the King’s pre-recorded Christmas message, which he writes himself, a tradition maintained from Queen Elizabeth II’s time.
As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere shifts to a more relaxed setting, with traditional games such as charades taking center stage. Notably absent from this year’s festivities are Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who have reportedly been disinvited due to ongoing scrutiny related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. There is also uncertainty surrounding the participation of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, although a video call with their children, Archie and Lilibet, is likely.
On Boxing Day, the family typically enjoys a meal of curried rice with smoked haddock—one of the late Queen’s favorites—followed by outdoor activities on the expansive 20,000-acre estate. Discussions have emerged regarding the future of the Boxing Day shooting tradition due to declining pheasant populations, a matter that reportedly concerns King Charles.
As the holiday season progresses, King Charles and Queen Camilla plan to travel to Scotland for New Year’s Eve, a newer tradition introduced by the King, who enjoys ringing in Hogmanay at Birkhall near Balmoral. This year’s Christmas gathering is expected to hold particular significance for the royal family, considering the challenges faced in recent months, including health issues affecting both the King and the Princess of Wales.
Katie Nicholl remarked, “The difficulties of the past 18 months, marked by the ill-health of both King Charles and the Princess of Wales, will make it an even more poignant and special time.” As the royal family comes together, they embody a spirit of resilience and gratitude, reflecting on the importance of love and family during this festive season.
