The Royal Family are set to attend their annual Christmas gathering at Sandringham in just over a fortnight.
But on Christmas Day, Prince William and Kate will eat separately, as per a royal tradition. The Firm will come together for Christmas lunch, but the Mirror reports that men and women are split at breakfast.
On Christmas Day, the Royal Family will have their breakfast at 9am before attending St Mary Magdelene Church for 11am. On their return to the country residence, passed to King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, pre-lunch drinks begin immediately.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady explained the ladies eat breakfast in their bedrooms while the men gather in the dining room two hours before they head to church. It is unclear why, but it means none of the royal couples will eat together.
Speaking in 2017, several years prior to the Queen Elizabeth’s death, Mr McGrady told the Daily Mail: “On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms – the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9am.
“The male Royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8.30am with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11am church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, it’s straight into pre-lunch drinks.”
The reason for the separate remains unclear. But one theory is that it allows the women more time to go their hair and makeup ahead of the much photographed church service.
McGrady added: “The first time the Royals congregate on Christmas Eve is for afternoon tea at 4pm, often in the ornate Sandringham saloon under its exquisitely painted ceiling.”
“It involves a large cake, usually a ginger cake or honey and cream sponge; a fruit cake would clash with the following day’s Christmas cake. Small cakes and scones feature alongside finger sandwiches (crusts off, served in squares) filled with ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese and Branston Pickle or Coronation chicken, with a pot of Earl Grey tea.”
The royals have their dinner on Christmas Eve and open their presents, a German tradition known as Heiligabend Bescherung. While most royal couples will follow tradition this year, it is unclear if Harry and Meghan will be there.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, were rumoured to be spending the festive season in the UK this year. It would have been the first time the couple spent Christmas with the Royal Family since 2018.
