The Prince and Princess of Wales are looking forward to spending time as a family over the festive season after a challenging year. Unfortunately, they will not be joining the rest of the royal family for Christmas lunch this year, with another royal present instead.
As the festive season approaches, families around the world are preparing to celebrate, including the British royal family. This year, the focus is on the Prince and Princess of Wales as they prepare for a special Christmas at Sandringham. Due to security concerns and health issues, they want to create memorable family moments. Traditionally, the Welsh family spend Christmas in Norfolk. However, it has been confirmed that Prince William and Catherine will join the King and Queen at Sandringham this year. Royal sources have shared that King Charles, who is in care, is delighted to have William, Catherine and their three children join them for the festivities.
The royal celebrations will include a Christmas dinner, Christmas Eve gatherings, and a church service on Christmas Day. Other royals attending will include Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie. The family usually goes to church on Christmas morning and then returns to the estate for the day’s festivities. Royal commentator Emily Andrews mentioned that the Welsh family will likely head back to their home, Amner Hall, to spend more time with Princess Catherine’s parents afterward.
It’s also been suggested that the entire royal family, not just the younger members, receives small gifts in stockings. Zara Tindall shared that they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and confirmed that her late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, also received gifts. The Tindalls will celebrate with the rest of the royals, including attending a Christmas Day church service with their daughters, Mia and Lena. The Welsh family is focusing on family time, cherishing the holiday season with their children at Amner Hall, a place that holds special meaning for them.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond believes Welsh children will be eager to tear off stockings and play around the house on Christmas morning, like children everywhere. This year has started with difficulties for the royal family, particularly King Charles and Princess Catherine, who have both faced personal problems. However, there is now a sense of optimism as they gather at Sandringham for the holidays. There is a strong bond between the King and Princess after they were coincidentally admitted to hospital for benign surgery, where they both discovered their conditions.
While the Welsh family is not likely to attend the Christmas lunch, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is expected to attend family gatherings. Despite standing down as a senior royal in 2019 due to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, he has continued to attend family events, including this year’s Christmas. Friends think Christmas at Sandringham may be quieter this year because to Charles’ ongoing treatment. The whole royal family, including Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are waiting to see how Charles’s health improves in the coming weeks, but they are hoping for a joyous occasion.
