The Royal Family indulge in a host of unique, age-old Christmas traditions each year, but one of them has reportedly been called “weird” by Princess Kate.
A quaint royal ritual involving a walkabout on Christmas Day enables them to greet well-wishers, although many of their customs are not public affairs.
The Firm’s traditions may seem unusual to some, including Kate, who reportedly wants to refresh one particular custom she deems “weird”, altering a practice nearly two centuries old.
According to the Daily Beast, she apparently finds the family’s habit of exchanging presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day quite odd. Stemming from their German roots, this tradition was set during Queen Victoria’s time on the throne.
Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901, along with Prince Albert, were pivotal in bringing the now quintessential Christmas tree into mainstream British celebration, a nod to their German heritage.
This Christmas Eve gift-giving has been a royal custom since Victoria’s era, upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who liked to keep Christmas Day focused on its spiritual meaning as a devoted Christian.
Kate is reportedly keen on ditching the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Eve present exchange for a more British Christmas Day celebration.
A source close to the Cambridges revealed to the Daily Beast: “Kate has always found the presents on Christmas Eve thing weird. It is definitely going to be got rid of when they are officially running things.
“I imagine it will continue this year at Sandringham in some shape or form but everything is going to be much more relaxed and have a middle-class flavour at Anmer Hall.
“You can bet your bottom dollar they will be doing proper presents for each other and the kids there on Christmas Day.”
With Kate having overcome health concerns earlier this year, the couple might opt out of the Sandringham Christmas lunch with King Charles, choosing instead an intimate gathering at their home in Anmer Hall, with Kate’s parents Michael and Carole.
