Experts have claimed the traditional Royal Family Christmases at Sandringham could be set for a major change, with the location expected to be moved “in the near future”. Christmases historically took place at Windsor Castle during the late QueenElizabeth II’s reign.
But after an extensive fire in the 1990s, the Christmas meet-ups were moved to Sandringham, and have continued there since. Former royal butler, Grant Harrold, told GB News that Norfolk has been part of the family’s annual diary. He said: “After the fire at Windsor Castle, the Royal Family were forced to relocate their Christmas holidays from Windsor to Sandringham.”
He said: “The trip to Norfolk has been a part of their annual diary ever since, but I think The King may make another change and bring Christmas back to Windsor Castle.”
Grant was a member of the Royal household of Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla. Based at their country Highgrove House in The Cotswolds, his duties included butlering for The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke of Sussex.
He added: “The King has already made big changes to the summer holiday plans, showing he’s not afraid to adapt things to make it work better for how the family runs in 2025.”
The week leading up to Christmas is when the reigning monarch holds his or her luncheon. The affair is for extended members of the family and it’s held at Buckingham Palace. And while we generally don’t get to see what happens, there are often photos of the family going to and from the Palace.
There are many traditions the royals take part in at Christmas. Prince William and Prince Harry used to play a game of Christmas eve football on the Sandringham Estate with members of staff. Harry has not joined in with this since he relocated to Montecito with his family.
The Windsor also honour their German heritage by opening presents after afternoon tea on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day.
Of the tradition, Prince Harry wote in Spare: “We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and white name cards. By custom, at the start of the night, each of us located our place, stood before our mound of presents. Then suddenly, everyone began opening at the same time.
“A free-for-all, with scores of family members talking at once and pulling at bows and tearing at wrapping paper.”
Each year on Christmas Day, the Windsor family also comes together for a church service at St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate.