At the grand, sprawling Norfolk estate where the King celebrates December 25 with his nearest and dearest, it appears his German roots are not too far from his mind.
And this is because every year the royals exchange gifts a day earlier, on Christmas Eve, which is a festive tradition from parts of mainland Europe including Germany.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams previously told Express.co.uk how senior members of the Royal Family usually arrive in Sandringham on Christmas Eve.
He said: “There is lunch and tea, the children decorate part of the Christmas tree.
“Presents are opened, a practice from Germany which never caught on nationally unlike decorating the tree and Christmas cards which date from the 1840s.”
The King’s House of Windsor is of German descent and was originally a branch of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
This derived from the House of Wetin, which succeeded the House of Hanover to the British monarchy following the death of Queen Victoria, the wife of Albert, Prince Consort.
Speaking about the Christmas Eve tradition, former royal chef Darren McGrady told the Mirror: “The royals are of German descent so they weave in German traditions to their celebrations.
“After afternoon tea, they open gifts on Christmas Eve, as is the German tradition.”
Guests will begin to arrive on Christmas Eve in order of precedence, with Prince William and Princess Kate arriving last.
At 8pm on Christmas Eve the royals will then have an opportunity to catch up with family by enjoying a black tie dinner, where the women dress up in their gowns and jewels.
On the morning of December 25, a full English breakfast is served before the 330-yard walk to the Church of St Mary Magdalene for the 16th-century church’s festive service.
