Prince William accused of being ‘a grinch’ over royal holiday changes

Prince William is said to have sparked reactions with his plan to ditch key royal traditions after becoming King.

According to reports, the Prince of Wales is set to ditch a long-standing royal Christmas tradition and palace staff thinks he is overly serious.

The future king plans to end the practice of handing out small “joke” gifts in order of seniority, per Radar Online.

While William aims to modernize royal celebrations and favour a quieter, more relaxed tone at Anmer Hall, longtime aides described the move as unnecessary.

"Some of us think William can be a bit po-faced about these things. It's a harmless bit of fun, and it means a lot to people who remember the late Queen,” a source told the publication.

"He's being a misery guts – it's Christmas, not a corporate away day or publicity stunt,” another added.

On why William wants to end the tradition, an insider said, "While William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to.”

"You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas.

"It's just not William's way of doing things at home and he has apparently quipped in the past that he wouldn't continue any of that stuff, though he appreciates his father does it for the nostalgia and as a way to remember the Queen."