The Royal Family is gearing up for a holiday season that deviates from the norm this year as Christmas Day approaches.
As The Firm embraces a new era under the reign of King Charles, this year’s festivities promise to diverge from established traditions.
Last Christmas marked a significant shift for the royals, as they navigated the first festive period without Queen Elizabeth II, who had passed away just months earlier. Despite the absence of Her late Majesty, the Royal Family largely adhered to the customary December 25 traditions.
This year, as King Charles settles into his reign and the familial landscape undergoes changes, several alterations are expected in the Christmas fanfare.
While some customs will persist, such as gift exchanges on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Day service at Mary Magdalene Church, other aspects are poised to break from tradition.
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In a noteworthy departure, Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren are anticipated to join in the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham this year.
Laura Lopes, 45, and Tom Parker Bowles, 48, who did not spend Christmas with their mother last year, are set to descend on the Norfolk estate, along with Camilla’s grandchildren.
Tom Parker Bowles, a food critic and MasterChef star, will be accompanied by his children Lola, 16, and Freddy, 13, while Laura Lopes, the Queen’s daughter, will bring her children Eliza, 15, and twins Gus and Louis, 13, with Harry Lopes.
Rumors swirl that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, may also receive an invitation to Sandringham this year. Despite her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996, their enduring friendship and shared responsibility for the late Queen’s Corgis, Muick and Sandy, may see her joining the festivities
Fergie, now carving out a new career as an agony aunt after her entertaining stint on ITV’s This Morning, is likely eager to spend the big day with her grandchildren.
Adding to the familial joy, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank welcomed their second son, Ernest, in May. As Fergie becomes a grandmother for the fourth time, King Charles and Queen Camilla, adhering to royal convention, will attend the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.
This new, extended guest list is the cause of the final change and perhaps the biggest break from tradition for the Royal Family’s Christmas – a change of location.
The inclusion of Camilla’s extended family and potentially Fergie as well, the Christmas lunch is expected to be a grander affair, moving from the Sandringham dining room to the larger ballroom.
