Christmas at Sandringham
These changes are planned by King Charles III.
In 2019 on the way to Christmas Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham (from left): Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, now King Charles and Princess Anne.
© imago/Paul Marriott
King Charles III continues the tradition of celebrating Christmas at Sandringham. Celebration. But he is planning some important changes.
King Charles III (74) has made some major changes to the royal family’s Christmas plans. In a few weeks they will gather at Sandringham in Norfolk for their annual Christmas party – a traditional event where fans can wave to their royals as they stroll to Christmas mass at St Mary Magdalene Church.
While the Royals always spend Christmas in Sandringham – with two Corona exceptions in the past two years – this year will obviously be something different. Not only because it is the first time without Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), who died in September, and with King Charles as the host, but also because he will make some important changes.
Christmas should be “less formal”.
BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond reported the “OK! Magazine”that Christmas with King Charles will be “less formal” and “less buttoned up” than in previous years. What does that mean exactly? For example, in recent years, royals have been expected to follow a strict protocol—bows and curtsies included—during the holidays. But apparently Charles wants to create a more relaxed atmosphere in 2022.
He is also said to have decided that not everyone has to watch his speech. Traditionally, the family sat down at 3pm (GMT) on December 25 to watch the televised address. Instead, Charles will pre-record the annual Christmas speech to the nation. His family is said to be spending the day commemorating the Queen. “I’m sure he’ll tape the speech a few days beforehand to reflect on her loss,” Bond said.
Will Harry and Meghan be there?
So while some traditions change, the royals will take their annual walk around the Sandringham estate and then return home for Christmas lunch. Duchess Meghan (41) and Prince Harry (38), who emigrated to the USA, are said to have been invited to the family reunion, but are unlikely to return to Harry’s homeland for the holidays.