The Royal Family feature in almost every household at Christmas, thanks to The King’s speech broadcast at 3pm each year. But how do the Royal Family celebrate Christmas? Do they spend the day just like the rest of us?
From cherished customs to modern twists, discover how the Royal Family marks this special time of year. Read on for an inside look at their festive celebrations under the reign of King Charles III!
The King’s speech is a key part of Christmas. (Buckingham Palace)
Pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace
Before the festivities begin at Sandringham, the entire Royal Family are invited to Buckingham Palace for a family dinner. The extended family (cousins three-times removed, great-nieces and nephews and their children etc) descend on the Palace, usually before The King heads to Norfolk.
The luncheon is for the entire extended Royal Family, since not everyone can be accommodated at Sandringham. It is one of the few chances in the year – along with Trooping the Colour – that the family can gather and interact as a whole, as Buckingham Palace offers the space and catering facilities.
There are that many guests, police officers are often given sheets with photos on, so they can recognise the family and allow the right people in!
During Elizabeth II’s reign, the late Queen ensured that the decorations in the house were perfect and that the estate ran smoothly in her absence. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are likely continuing this duty, ensuring everything is in order for the family’s arrival. As was tradition under Elizabeth II, the star atop the tree — sourced from the Sandringham estate —is placed with great care. The tree is also adorned with decorations once used by Queen Victoria, maintaining a sense of royal continuity.
The whole family isn’t invited to Sandringham: while large, the Edwardian mansion cannot accommodate the entire Mounbatten-Windsor clan. Even the servants quarters are used for the minor Royals, such is the squash.
On Christmas Eve, at 4pm high tea is served in the ball room, an informal gathering for the family to greet one another and catch up, particularly those with young children. Royal cousins are known for their good friendships, and times like this are no doubt responsible for close bonds, began as children. The lunch at Buckingham Palace is so busy there is often not the chance to speak to everyone!
The Queen spends Christmas at Sandringham, and puts the star on top of the tree.
For the Royal Family, Christmas actually takes place on Christmas Eve. Following the German tradition, imported to Britain by Prince Albert, gifts are opened on evening of the 24th, and for the adults, these are joke presents – after all, what do you get for the family with everything? Princess Anne reportedly bought her brother, King Charles, a white leather toilet seat a few years ago – he apparently loves it so much, he takes it abroad! Harry, meanwhile, previously gifted his grandmother a shower cap with ‘Ain’t life a bitch’ on it!
The Earl of Snowdon, son of Princess Margaret, has described the event as ‘uproar’, with children playing, wrapping flying off presents and a lot of laughing.
Royal children receive ‘normal’ presents of toys and books. They often get their first fishing rod or outdoor equipment for hunting.
The first service of the day is an informal one, without hats. Here is Elizabeth II arriving in 2014 for the morning service. I-images
A candle-lit supper follows the presents, focussed around local produce, including game or lamb from the estate, and often locally caught fish or seafood for the second course.
How do the Royal Family celebrate Christmas Day?
Christmas Day always starts with a church service, relatively early, around 8.30am. This is an informal event, with pictures showing the Royals greeting The King.
Not content with just one visit to church, a second formal service takes place before lunchtime – it is Jesus’ birthday after all! The family walk from the ‘big house’ to St Magdalene’s church, allowing the public to see them, and for the press to take photos. These are the pictures that make the news and papers.
The King and Queen lead Royals at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham
Later in the morning, the family attends a second, formal church service at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church. This tradition allows the Royal Family to be seen by the public, who gather outside to offer flowers and take photos. The Royals often step into the crowd to accept the gifts and greet well-wishers, creating memorable moments for those in attendance.
Wellwishers give the Royals flowers and cards outside after the church service. The Duchess of Cambridge greets the public in 2014. I-images
It is then time for Christmas lunch, served at 1.30pm. It is a tightly scheduled event, lasting 90 minutes, so that everyone can then watch His Majesty’s Christmas Broadcast.
Elizabeth II used to leave and watch her Christmas message on her own, while the family gather round the TV – with a tipple, according to Mike Tindall!
The broadcast, pre-recorded in advance, reflects on the year’s events and offers a Christian message of peace, unity, and hope. As King and head of the Church of England, Charles III often infuses his message with themes of environmental stewardship and inclusivity, aligning with his personal values.
A formal dinner, where the Royals don their fineries (no tiaras though) is the high point of the day. This is then followed by an evening of games, a favourite being charades. It was said Elizabeth II was an expert at impersonating Prime Ministers and Presidents…!
Christmas Day also means The King does not have a red box of government papers to read, check and sign off – truly a once-in-a-year treat for The King.
King Charles with his red box. (Buckingham Palace)
Reports suggest that the Royals typically have up to five outfit changes on Christmas Day, including attire for the church services, lunch, dinner, and casual evening wear.
The festivities don’t end with Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, the family enjoys another royal tradition: a shoot on the Sandringham estate, typically led by the Duke of Edinburgh during his lifetime. Birds from the shoot are used over the festive period, with extras given to estate workers or sold under the Sandringham brand.
The then-Duchess of Cambridge has somewhat interrupted royal tradition to spend time with both the Royals and her own family at Christmas. In 2015, the Middletons were invited to church on the 25th, and back to the house for lunch, but then went to Anmer Hall with William and Kate to spend the rest of the day, while in 2012 Catherine spent the entirety of Christmas in Berkshire.
The festivities do not end there for the Royals: the same for many families, they continue to celebrate on Boxing Day. Prince Philip normally leads a shoot for the day on the estate, and these birds are then used over the festive period, with the extras often given to those who work on the estate, or sold as part of the Sandringham brand.
When the late Queen was alive, she used to leave Norfolk after the 6th. This date marks Accession Day — the anniversary of King George VI’s death and the day Elizabeth II became Queen. Despite its somber association, the Norfolk estate holds happy memories for the Royal Family.
Under King Charles III’s reign, Christmas retains its timeless traditions while embracing subtle modern updates that reflect his vision for the monarchy—a harmonious blend of history, family, and sustainability.
