The royals deck the halls – and lend a helping hand by supporting the charities close to their hearts. Beyond charitable donations, the royal family upholds a longstanding Christmas tradition of gifting trees to places of worship, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh. In years past, churches and schools throughout the Sandringham area also received a tree from Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II – celebrating Christmas with generosity, faith, and goodwill.
Like families everywhere, the royals spread holiday cheer – one card at a time.
The late Queen would send Christmas cards every year.
Sealed with a royal stamp
The late Queen Elizabeth used to send around 750 Christmas cards each year, starting her signing spree from the sunny Balmoral estate. Now that’s what we call royal correspondence
Since the 19th century, Buckingham Palace has welcomed three Christmas trees each festive season, thanks to a tradition initiated by late Queen Victoria.
The Windsors traditionally celebrate Christmas at their Sandringham estate, just 100 miles north of London. During the pandemic, however, the festivities took place at Windsor. In recent years, King Charles has returned to Sandringham with the family, and we can expect to see the royals there again this December.
During the festive season, the Windsors pay homage to their German roots by opening gifts on Christmas Eve, following afternoon tea, instead of waiting for Christmas Day.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are likely to be at Sandringham this Christmas. Photo / Getty Images
Prince Harry recalls the tradition in his memoir Spare: “We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and name cards. By custom, we each found our place, stood before our mound of presents, and then – suddenly – everyone began opening at once. A joyous free-for-all, with scores of family members talking, tugging at bows and tearing into wrapping paper.”
On Christmas Eve, the princes would trade formalities for football on the Sandringham lawns, joining staff for a spirited game.
Team William sported Aston Villa socks, while Team Harry showed their Arsenal allegiance – a playful showdown before the holiday feast. These days, Prince Harry is unlikely to join, as he lives in the US with wife Meghan and his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and is estranged from William.
Following Anglican tradition, the royal family attends an annual service at Sandringham’s St Mary Magdalene Church.
After Christmas dinner, the family trades formalities for fun, diving into a spirited game of charades – showing that even royals know how to let loose during the holidays.
Every year, until her death in September, Queen Elizabeth spoke to the UK in a televised message broadcast on Christmas Day.
This tradition began in 1952. This year, King Charles III will deliver his second festive message to the Commonwealth.