This year, Prince William and Princess Kate are expected to spend the festive season at the royal estate in Norfolk alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. Joining them will be their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis.
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie are also set to attend with their two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex. Princess Anne will be present as well, along with Zara and Mike Tindall. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have reportedly received invitations, although their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are not expected to take part.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will once again remain in California, celebrating Christmas with their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
So what does Christmas actually look like behind palace doors—and will the royals stick to their long-standing traditions this year?
Christmas at Sandringham
The festive period officially begins on Christmas Eve, when the family arrives at Sandringham for their main evening meal. The dinner is a formal black-tie affair, and gifts are traditionally exchanged after the meal rather than on Christmas morning—a nod to the royal family’s German roots, where presents are often opened on Christmas Eve.
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry described the scene as organised chaos. He recalled a long table dressed in white linens and place cards, with each family member standing in front of a personal pile of gifts. At a given moment, everyone begins opening presents at once—an energetic mix of chatter, laughter, and torn wrapping paper.
Christmas Day traditions
On Christmas morning, the King and senior members of the family attend a private church service away from public view before heading to the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church. Over the years, this walk to church has become one of the most recognisable royal Christmas rituals.
Prince William and Princess Kate are expected to attend the public service with their three children, alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.
After church, the family returns to Sandringham House for a classic Christmas lunch. Games such as charades are believed to be part of the afternoon entertainment.
Another highlight of the day is the monarch’s Christmas broadcast. First introduced by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, the tradition has been continued by King Charles. The family typically watches the speech together, much like millions of viewers across the Commonwealth. This year, the King’s Speech will air in Australia at 3:27pm AEST, with a repeat broadcast at 7:30pm.
The King’s “unspoken” rule
Despite the festive atmosphere, Christmas at Sandringham runs on a tight schedule. According to royal author Robert Jobson, King Charles maintains a firm, unwritten rule: punctuality is non-negotiable.
Guests are expected to stick closely to the timetable, from afternoon walks on Christmas Eve to formal meals served by royal staff. One unusual tradition—dating back to the reign of Edward VII—involves guests being weighed on antique scales before celebrations begin.
While there are moments for relaxation, even downtime is carefully timed. Afternoon walks are permitted, but everyone must return promptly for tea at 5pm.
A palace full of Christmas trees
Christmas decorations also play an important role in royal celebrations. Each year, multiple Christmas trees are installed throughout royal residences, including Marble Hall at Buckingham Palace.
The tradition was popularised by Queen Victoria and has endured ever since. The monarch also donates Christmas trees to several major churches, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.
In addition, local churches and schools around Sandringham continue to receive Christmas trees—a custom started by Queen Elizabeth II and now carried on by King Charles.
