Since 1988, the Royal Family have traditionally spent Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House, Norfolk.
Just like any typical family, the royals have certain festive traditions which they follow each year, and we have all that you need to know about the facts and traditions of the Royal Family at Christmas time…
Christmas Puddings
Have you ever been fortunate enough to come across a coin whilst eating your Christmas pudding? This historic tradition is thought to have been introduced in Britain by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria‘s husband. Originating from Germany, it is believed that wealth and good fortune are to come to whoever finds the coin in their slice of pudding.
Christmas Trees
It is believed that King George III’s consort, Queen Charlotte, introduced the Christmas tree to the Royal Family. However, in 1848, Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert popularised Christmas trees after Albert had sent decorated trees to schools and army barracks around Windsor. The same year, an image of the Royal Family decorating a tree was published which inspired other families to do the same.
Each year, three trees are placed in the Marble Hall of Buckingham Palace, and there is also a garland which is situated along the grand staircase. On Christmas Eve, members of the Royal Family will then put the final touches on the main Christmas tree.
The Royal Christmas Broadcast
Many families across the UK will tune into the television at 3:00pm on 25th December to watch the monarch deliver their Christmas speech. This is a tradition that started via the radio by George V in 1932. Queen Elizabeth II delivered her first Christmas radio broadcast in 1952, with the first televised broadcast being delivered live by the Queen in 1957. Since 1959, the Christmas broadcast had been pre-recorded, and last year, we saw our new monarch, King Charles III, deliver his very first Royal Christmas Broadcast.
Christmas with the Royal Family
The Royal Family lay out their gifts on Christmas Eve on tables, and exchange during teatime on Christmas day. The tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas eve is actually derived from Germany and introduced to the Royal Family again by Prince Albert.
Each year, members of the Royal Family attend St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, for a morning service. This is followed by a three-course Sandringham Christmas lunch, and it is said that the Royal Family then gather around at 3:00pm to watch the Christmas Broadcast. To end the festive day, the royals have their very own version of a turkey buffet.
Following a tradition that dates back to King George V, the monarch gives Christmas puddings and a greetings card to all staff members, which totals around 1,500. The King will also gift all members of The Royal Household with Christmas presents.
The King donates to several charities each Christmas, and sends out hundreds of Christmas cards each year. Christmas trees are also gifted from the monarch to Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Giles’ Cathedral and Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh. Typically, churches and schools in the Sandringham area will also receive a tree.