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King Charles III

How has royal Christmas changed since Charles III took the throne?

With the Royal Family’s holiday break fast approaching, many are asking how The King will mark the season. While he did carry on many of his mother’s traditions for the first Christmas of his reign, King Charles has been making changes to royal holiday traditions. 

The King will be hosting many members of his family at Sandringham House, like his mother, Queen Elizabeth II did. His grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, King George V, also spent their holiday break at Sandringham. The Norfolk estate is over 20,000 acres and features extensive hunting lands, park lands, and gardens. 

The King and Queen will most likely arrive at Sandringham somewhere around 22-23 December where they will be joined by members of the Royal Family. As the house does not have that many available rooms and there are multiple generations of royals attending, the staff typically stay in separate buildings. 

This year marks a new change for King Charles and Queen Camilla, as The Queen has reportedly invited her children and grandchildren for the holidays. Historically she would leave Sandringham in the afternoon to spend time with her family. 

Because the family has grown so large and there are additional guests, many speculate that dinner may be held in one of the ballrooms rather than in the dining room. 

The extended Royal Family should be making their morning walk together to a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Estate. 

One tradition that The King did not follow in 2022 and is not expected to return to is remaining at Sandringham until February 6. The late Queen stayed at Sandringham until 6 February as it was the anniversary of her father’s death and her Accession Day. 

About author

Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com