King Charles Changing Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Traditions

King Charles wears a red military uniform adorned with medal while his late mother Queen Elizabeth wears a baby blue suit jacket with white embroidery

(Image credit: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

published 12 November 2024

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had a set of strict Christmas rituals for the Royal Family. From when she would arrive at Sandringham to when family members would exchange gifts, the late Queen reportedly placed a huge emphasis on the holiday season. Her son, King Charles, however, may be implementing some changes this Christmas.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe opened up about Charles' festive plans in an interview with the Mirror. "Christmas at Sandringham has been absolutely central to the family for years, and that legacy looks certain to continue with Charles," he explained.

"I don't think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there's a strong chance he'll loosen some of the rules," Larcombe told the outlet. "I think a lot of the more stoic aspects of Christmas were down to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was a stickler for timings. But I think the King is more relaxed about these things."

Princess Charlotte, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince Louis, Prince George and King Charles III attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2022. — The Royal Family at Sandringham on December 25, 2022.

Larcombe also suggested that Charles may allow Royal Family members to discuss some previously off-limit topics this Christmas. "Traditionally they've never been allowed to engage in political talk over dinner, and they can't leave the table until the monarch does," the royal expert said. "But again, those protocols may be gently phased out by Charles now."

Queen Elizabeth loved Sandringham, and treasured spending time there for a very specific reason. "Sandringham had a very special place in the Queen's heart," Larcombe said. "It was where her father George VI passed away in 1952, which always gave it extra meaning for her."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Christmas at Sandringham

While it's unclear whether King Charles will make any major changes this Christmas, it's been reported that Kate Middleton will host her own "rival" holiday party. However, it's unlikely that Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, will get an invite, as Prince William reportedly isn't a fan of his stepbrother.

As well as allegedly holding an alternative holiday party, Princess Kate will host her annual Christmas concert.

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Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.

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