12 royal Christmas traditions revealed by expert who says everyone must follow specific etiquette rules

THESE are the 12 royal Christmas traditions everyone must follow, according to a royal expert.

The royal family is gearing up for their first Christmas away from the Queen – but nothing major is expected to change.

4

4

4

The company will return to Sandringham for the celebrations this year.

The Norfolk estate is expected to have a much more family feel compared to Windsor.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams revealed the 12 traditions the family will follow even in the Queen’s absence.

From etiquette rules to tree decorations, that’s all we know about the king’s Christmas plans.

Arrive at Sandringham

Richard told The Sun Online the family are arriving in Sandringham on Christmas Eve.

Members will arrive in order of seniority.

Richard said: “The royals usually come the day before Christmas and they come in seniority order.

“The least important members come first.”

decorating the tree

After everyone arrives at the estate the day before Christmas, they are gathered and decorated.

In a centuries-old tradition, the family makes the decorations on the Christmas trees together.

Christmas presents

On Christmas Eve, the family exchanges joke gifts.

Richard said: “The gifts are on display in the Red Drawing Room at Sandringham and these are joke gifts.

“The royals don’t give each other expensive gifts.

“It’s a joke or a cheap gift – what do you give to a family that has everything.

“On Diana’s first Christmas, Diana didn’t know they gave cheap joke gifts, so she gave expensive gifts and felt awkward

“It’s Harry giving the Queen a bathing hat [and] Kate gives Harry a set for her own friend, it’s fun.”

Black tie formal dinner

On Christmas Eve there is a formal black tie dinner at Royal’s.

Everyone is invited and has to dress up.

The chefs cook up a huge dinner to cap off the day before Christmas.

visit to the church

On Christmas morning, family members who wish can visit St Mary’s Church on the premises.

This will be a private, intimate meeting with no cameras or spectators.

A public church visit

As a member of the royal family, they are then obliged to take part in a public exhibition.

Cameras will capture the family going to church for a service.

christmas dinner

The family then return from church for a traditional Christmas dinner.

It will consist of three courses.

A royal expert recently took to TikTok and revealed bizarre lunch etiquette rules.

This includes a salt and pepper ritual, holding glasses and a cue for everyone to stop eating.

Christmas walks

The family will then leave their huge Christmas dinner.

A private walk around Sandringham’s grounds allows the kids to get some fresh air and play.

The King’s Embassy

After their walk, the whole family traditionally gathers to see the King’s Christmas message.

The taped address to the nation was filmed on Tuesday, it is said.

It will be broadcast on BBC One at 3pm.

Afternoon tea

A light afternoon tea will then be served for company.

As the day draws to a close, adults can relax while children play with their gifts.

dinner buffet

The festive day ends with an evening buffet.

With a few nibbles, the family relaxes and has time together.

games

Of course, while you enjoy the dinner buffet, the family will play games.

Although it’s not certain what they’re playing, Richard said they might play charades.

4