King Charles has continued a tradition that was firmly set in stone during the last part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II: a Sandringham Christmas. For decades, the royals have gathered at the Norfolk estate for their festive celebrations and The King shows no sign of changing that.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, many Christmas holidays were spent at the country estate, 32 Christmases to be exact. Queen Elizabeth would take the train from London to Norfolk every December where she would usually stay until the anniversary of the death of her father, King George VI. The 6 February anniversary also marks the day she ascended to the throne at the start of what would be the longest reign in British history.
(Stpehen Lock / i-Images)
Each Christmas, the Royal Family makes a trip to St Mary Magdalene church for Christmas Day service. They then spend their time greeting well-wishers as they head back to Sandringham to enjoy a traditional turkey holiday feast. The family will then gather to watch the Monarch’s Christmas Day broadcast which typically features highlights of the year, and well wishes upon the New Year.
(Stephen Lock/ i-Images)
During the pandemic, the Royal Family was separated for two Christmas holidays. In 2020, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent the holiday apart from other family members at Windsor Castle. The next year, Prince Philip had passed away but Queen Elizabeth was able to be joined at Windsor by Charles and Camilla (the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.) The plan had been to return to Sandringham in 2021 but the plan was ditched after coronavirus cases began to rise again.
In exception to the pandemic, every Christmas since 1988 has been spent at Sandringham. The home has been the private home of British monarchs for more than 160 years. Prior to 1988, the holiday was spent at Windsor Castle.
It is expected that King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive at Sandringham in the days running up to Christmas.
