Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are among the luckiest children in the Royal Family, and Christmas is no exception.
While King Charles prepares to host another traditional festive season at Sandringham, Prince WIlliam and Kate Middleton’s children quietly enjoy something extra special every year: two Christmas celebrations.
The Wales children divide their festive time between royal tradition and a more relaxed family gathering with Princess Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.
After attending the all-important Christmas Day church service at Sandringham with the King and Queen, Prince William, Kate and the children often return to their nearby Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, where the Middletons join them for a second celebration.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine, explained the careful balancing act, per Express UK: “The King loves bringing everyone together and it’s a proper family Christmas,” she said.
“There’s a fair bit of juggling involved, particularly for the Wales family. I expect William, Kate and the children will be at Sandringham for the Christmas Day service alongside Charles because that’s an important show of togetherness.
“In previous years, they have gone back to Anmer after church on Christmas Day for lunch with Kate’s family, so they get two Christmases.”
Unlike the more formal atmosphere of Sandringham House, Anmer Hall offers a relaxed start to Christmas Day for the young royals.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond revealed the family’s festive routine. “They are lucky because they have their own home close to Sandringham,” she said.
“So they’ve always been able to wake up there, do stockings and presents, and then go over to the big house for the more formal celebrations.”
Even Sandringham itself has become slightly less rigid in recent years. According to a royal insider speaking to Vanity Fair, King Charles has relaxed the famously strict dress code over the festive period.
“It used to be a nightmare going to Sandringham because there used to be so many outfit changes, sometimes up to six a day,” the source said, adding: “But the King has relaxed that. There won’t be so many changes, although everyone will still wear black tie for Christmas dinner.”