Have you ever found yourself wondering how Britain’s royal family spend their Christmas Day? Well, wonder no more because we now know the royal family’s holiday schedule down to the last detail.
Much like us commoners, the festive season for the royal’s is full of gift giving, food and family, however, there are some notable differences.
Here is how the royal family spend their Christmas.
1. It all starts with the Queen’s pre-Christmas party
Every year the Queen throws a pre-Christmas party where she invites the entire extended royal family. Guests include Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, and Zara and Mike Tindall.
2. Christmas Eve at Sandringham
Although there was some speculation this year as to whether Meghan Markle would be spending Christmas Eve with the Queen at Sandringham, The Sunday Times has confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will take part of the celebrations.
As for what the day entails? Christmas Eve features an afternoon tea, a pheasant shoot and a black tie dinner.
3. Gag gifts on Christmas Eve
According to the Sunday Express, gift-giving on Christmas Eve follows a royal German tradition.
There is a widely known tradition in the royal family that all gifts must be strictly gag gifts, the funnier the better. Royal biographers have reported on many gag gifts over the years, but some of our favourites would have to be Kate Middleton gifting a then-single Harry a ‘grow your own girlfriend’ kit, Anne gifting Charles a leather toilet seat cover, and Harry giving the Queen a shower cap with “Ain’t Life a B*tch!” printed on it.
4. A royal soccer game
This royal family tradition was started by Prince Harry and his big brother William. Each year the two Royals team up with their estate workers to play the nearby villagers in a (highly competitive) game of soccer.
The game is played at Sandringham on Christmas Eve.
5. Christmas Day with the Royal Family
According to Us Weekly Christmas Day with the royal family starts with a traditional breakfast, followed by an 11 am service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
After the church service, the royals sit down for Christmas lunch. A source told US Weekly that the spread usually features three turkeys, “Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes and a flaming Christmas pudding.”
6. Boxing Day
Boxing Day is when the royals go and spend the holidays with other family members, and usually, Kate goes to the Middleton’s while Camilla spends the day with her children.
Ah Christmas, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
This article originally appeared on InStyle Australia.
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