King Charles’s marriage to Queen Camilla has made him the head of a blended family and the Christmas period for the royals is therefore likely to be extremely busy with extra family guests.
Queen Elizabeth II cherished having her family around her and in a Christmas 2015 message she expressed her happiness: “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree.”
A royal author has explained how “togetherness” at Christmas is also important for King Charles. Robert Jobson, author of ‘Catherine, The Princess of Wales’ told OK! Magazine: “It’s a lovely chance to see his grandchildren. He’ll be surrounded by those he cherishes most, enjoying the chance to eat, drink and be merry with them.”
However, it is also a time for “chaos”, as royal expert Duncan Larcombe predicts. He said: “Throw in the Tindalls’ three plus Beatrice and Eugenie’s kids, and it will be chaos – a Christmas dominated by children.”
The royal expert also explained how children also provide “light relief” to tense situations. Duncan added: “But kids are a great healer and a great distraction. After the strain caused by the King and Kate’s health battles, the royals will focus on making it a really fun and enchanting Christmas for them. They’ll welcome some light relief, and the children will provide that.”
Last year saw King Charles open the doors to his extended family as he has five step-grandchildren from his wife’s side – Lola, Eliza, Louis, Gus and Freddy.
In 2022, ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson was welcomed back into the Royal circle for the first time in three decades, spending her time with the Duke of York at Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the estate.
Fergie was also invited to join Andrew and her daughters for the annual walk at Sandringham to church on Christmas day in 2023. The Duke of York and the Duchess, walked behind senior royals as crowds lined the road outside the St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas Day service on the Norfolk estate.
For the second year in succession, Andrew made the walk from Sandringham to church with the other royals – symbolic of his gradual rehabilitation within the monarchy.
There will, however, be a significant absence for King Charles, as Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle will not be joining the Royal Family at Christmas with their two children. As reported in the Mirror, a source said: “I’m sure it’ll play on the King’s mind that he’s unlikely to see Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to remain in California.
“The whole Harry scenario will loom large over the royals. He’s a very lively character so he’s very much missed, but it’s difficult for the family to trust him.”
Royal expert Robert also spilled the beans on how the Royal Family’s Christmas traditions have developed under King Charles’ reign.
He explained: “They still open the presents on Christmas Eve, attend the church service and tuck into a big lunch before watching the King’s speech as a family,” he reveals.
“But Charles is less demanding of his guests than his parents were. He understands people have other commitments and doesn’t expect them to hang around for the full three days. Camilla will be in charge of hosting. She’ll make sure the tree is decorated just the way he likes it.”
