- The Queen and Prince Philip have officially confirmed their Christmas plans: They'll continue to isolate at Windsor Castle, instead of traveling to the Sandringham Estate.
- "The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told People.
- "Like everyone, their hope is that normality will return in 2021," a royal source said.
The Queen's grand Christmas celebrations have officially been called off, a Buckingham Palace source confirmed to People. While the monarch and Prince Philip typically spend the holiday at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk—with the wider royal family joining for yearly traditions including the Christmas Day walk to church—this year they'll continue to isolate at Windsor Castle. According to People, the Queen had already canceled two major holiday parties: one for embassy staff and diplomats, and one for her family.
"Having considered all the appropriate advice, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor,” a palace spokesperson told People.
A second insider told the magazine, "They are fortunate to spend Christmas with their family every year, but they understand that their family will have competing demands over the Christmas period and are content to have a quiet festive season this year." The source added, "Like everyone, their hope is that normality will return in 2021."
Under new UK COVID-19 guidelines, the Queen and Philip could potentially meet with other family members over Christmas: The government announced last month that up to three households may gather indoors between December 23 and 27. But Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expected to spend the holiday with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland, in their new Montecito home (international travel during a pandemic being less than practical), while Kate Middleton and Prince William have yet to confirm their plans, with the Cambridges typically spending alternate Christmases with the Queen at Sandringham and Kate's family in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
The Queen and Philip do have two confirmed visitors, though not on Christmas Day: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will visit over the festive period, according to a palace insider, while they'll spend December 25 at Highgrove House, their Gloucestershire country house. Sounds like this Christmas will be a quiet one for the royals!
RELATED STORIES
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs ToThe 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The KingThe top three people on this list might surprise you.
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane CoatThe star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' NicknamesA royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Former Prisoner Recalls Life-Changing Meeting With "Amazing" Princess Kate: "Saw Me as an Equal"Francesca Fattore shared the "one thing that surprised" her about the Princess of Wales in a new interview.
-
Why Princess Margaret's Husband Was Called "Spectacularly Rude and Uncooperative" by a TV PresenterLord Snowdon didn't endear himself to one particular interviewer.
