The Christmas period is always a particularly fun time for royal watching, with behind-the-scenes pictures of the palaces being decorated for the holidays and royals carrying out holiday-themed engagements moving to the forefront.
The Royal Family have always played a significant part in Christmas traditions for the UK, with their annual celebration at Sandringham and the morning walk to and from church followed by the much-beloved Christmas Message in the afternoon.
This year, King Charles is poised to deliver his second Christmas Message, following a poignant address in 2022, just months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
It was Her Late Majesty who first broadcast a message on television and her wise and calm words at the festive season cemented the Christmas Day speech as a real tradition, deftly turning her yearly address into a source of comfort for those watching at home.
King Charles III’s own first Christmas address was widely praised. But as well as keeping well established traditions, The King and his Royal Family are also adding new festivities to their December diaries. And all are a very welcome addition to the Christmas calendar.
Queen Camilla has, for years now, invited sick children to Clarence House to help her decorate the Christmas tree. Young children supported by the Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity are treated to a fun and festive outing, with cookies, reindeer and a visit from Father Christmas on the agenda as they help Queen Camilla prepare for the holidays.
Queen Camilla’s warmness is on full display, and she has spoken before of how her annual Christmas decorating event is the start of her holidays. Her part in bringing joy to young people who really need the magic of Christmas is always a poignant reminder of the true spirit of the season.
Like Queen Camilla’s annual engagement, the Princess of Wales has also started another festive celebration that is now firmly cemented as part of the Royal Family’s Christmas. It’s the Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales held her first Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2021. Billed as a way to thank those who went above and beyond for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine brought together people from all over the United Kingdom for a special service that was televised on ITV on Christmas Eve.
Ahead of that first event, Catherine said, “Above all, it’s about celebrating the goodwill, the acts of kindness, love, empathy, and compassion to help people come through these difficult times.”
The service in 2022 paid to Queen Elizabeth II and recognised community leaders throughout the United Kingdom, while the 2023 event will focus on the importance of supporting young people across the country.
Catherine’s Together at Christmas service is becoming a beloved tradition, a way to look back at the people who are the pillars of their communities and to celebrate all faiths and none in an inclusive event. And in 2023, regional services are also being held across the UK to bring together more people.
And there’s more inclusivity on display at Sandringham this year where Queen Camilla’s own children and grandchildren will join her, The King and the Royal Family for the festive season.
With the Royal Family celebrating their firmly established traditions on Christmas Day, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales are ensuring, with their events, that the Royal Family is spreading cheer throughout the month of December.
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