Like many other families, the royals love having a laugh at Christmas, especially when it comes to gift-giving. However, it’s reported that Prince William plans to do something a little different for Princess Kate this year.
As per tradition, the royals will spend Christmas Eve at Sandringham House in Norfolk. Whilst there, they’ll exchange gifts as indulge in a festive afternoon tea – typically at around 6pm in the House’s White Drawing Room.
They like to turn the event into a game, challenging each other to place the wrapped presents in the room throughout the afternoon without being noticed.
Grant Harrold, a former butler of King Charles’s has allowed us a glimpse into the age-old traditions that the royals still enjoy to this day.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, he said: “Christmas presents with the royals are always jokey. They’re always a bit of fun.
“But with William and Kate, I’m sure they will give each other something nice that they will like. Kate will probably get a watch or some jewellery from William.”
Mr Harrold also discussed what King Charles’ hopes for this year’s royal Christmas would be.
He said: “The King is very much a traditionalist, he likes things done in a traditional and old-fashioned way and he will continue to do this as the holidays come around.
”Christmas is very much a time for the Royal Family to be together. It’s a time of caring and being there for each other.
“Prince Albert was a huge advocate for Christmas and so was the Queen. She wanted everyone there and enjoying themselves.
“They’ve worked so hard to make Christmas an important time for the family. The King will do what he can to carry on that tradition as it has been what he’s used to while growing up.”
Christmas Eve gift-giving has also been discussed by Prince Harry.
Writing in his memoir, Spare, he said: “The whole family gathered to open gifts on Christmas Eve, as always, a German tradition that survived the anglicizing of the family surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor.
“We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and white name cards. By custom, at the start of the night, each of us located our place, stood before our mound of presents.
“Then suddenly, everyone began opening at the same time. A free-for-all, with scores of family members talking at once and pulling at bows and tearing at wrapping paper.”
As for the rest of Christmas Eve, it is typical for the family to decorate the Sandringham Christmas tree, before host an elegant black-tie dinner in the evening and feasting on some of the country’s best food.
Their Christmas Day traditions bear a resemblance to those of ordinary families across the country.
After attending the early-morning Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene’s Church nearby the estate, they eat a classic Christmas lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing, even tuning in to the monarch’s Christmas Speech.