The Queen Is Planning to Host a Family Christmas in Sandringham

britains queen elizabeth ii c and britains prince philip, duke of edinburgh r lead out other members of the family with reverend canon jonathan riviere l as they leave after attending the royal familys traditional christmas day church service at st mary magdalene church in sandringham, norfolk, eastern england, on december 25, 2017 photo by adrian dennis afp photo by adrian dennisafp via getty images

(Image credit: ADRIAN DENNIS)

published 3 November 2021

The Queen has regretfully canceled several official engagements recently, on her doctors' medical advice. But her annual Christmas celebrations in Sandringham, Norfolk, aren't something she's willing to give up, says one Palace insider. They were already canceled last year due to the pandemic, but this year, the monarch is intent on seeing them through.

"This year, more than ever, it is incredibly important to Her Majesty to be surrounded by her loved ones," the insider told the Mirror. "The Queen is totally committed to hosting everyone as she hopes to make it back to full health in the coming weeks."

british royals diana, princess of wales 1961 1997, wearing a red coat with a black hat, zara phillips, prince andrew, duke of york, prince edward, peter phillips and prince charles attend the christmas day church service at st mary magdalene church in sandringham, norfolk, england, 25th december 1993 photo by princess diana archivegetty images

Hopefully, the Queen's time of rest will allow for her to make the most of this year's Christmas celebrations, especially in the light of Prince Philip's passing in April. "Her Majesty is resting under doctors’ orders with the intention of being able to fully enjoy the company of her extended family over the holiday period," the source added. "After being forced to cancel a host of engagements, the family get-together will be the perfect tonic."

british royals sarah, duchess of york, queen elizabeth the queen mother 1900 2002, prince andrew, duke of york and diana, princess of wales 1961 1997, peter phillips, zara phillips, prince charles, anne, princess royal, prince william, and princess margaret, countess of snowdon 1930 2002 attend the christmas day service at st mary magdalene church on the sandringham estate in norfolk, england, 25th december 1988 photo by princess diana archivegetty images

So Sandringham is happening, supposedly. Whether or not a certain Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in attendance is a whole other kettle of fish. Rumors were circulating a few weeks ago that they intended to make the trip to England for Christmas to introduce baby Lilibet to her British family, but one royal expert wasn't so sure. Most recently, Prince Harry was said to be in a "panic" about the Queen's health, and fully intending to visit her for Christmas or before. As per, only time will tell whether they are included in the festivities.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.