Tinsel, Traditions and Tiaras: Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'Enchanting' Royal Christmas at Anmer Hall With Full Guest List
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly planning a 'huge Christmas celebration' at Anmer Hall.
The royal holiday season is a time of cherished traditions and family gatherings with customs dating back to the days of Queen Victoria.
This year, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales are orchestrating a memorable Christmas experience for their children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in the wake of the future queen's "worst year yet."
The British royal family traditionally spends Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, England.
The "enchanting" festivities are set to commence on Christmas Eve at Anmer Hall, the Wales family's Norfolk, England, retreat. Here, the young royals partake in the German tradition of exchanging gifts, a practice that became custom in Victoria's reign.
Adding a personal touch, their grandmother, Carole Middleton, presents each child with a special Christmas Eve box, filled with small gifts and treats, enhancing the anticipation of the season.
Christmas Day unfolds with the family joining the extended royal clan at nearby Sandringham. The day begins with a traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene, where the royal family is often greeted by well-wishers and the media.
Following the service, they return to "the Big House" for a festive lunch, featuring classic dishes such as roast turkey and Christmas pudding — a British delight. A highlight of the afternoon is gathering to watch the King's speech, a moment that underscores the family's unity and shared heritage.
Kate Middleton and Prince William also reportedly spent private time at Sandringham's Wood Farm.
Many of today's royal traditions were followed "to the letter" by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and reports suggest King Charles III is not set to change her patterns in his third Christmas as monarch.
Beyond these formalities, the Prince and Princess of Wales are dedicated to creating personal traditions that resonate with their children's experiences. Activities like baking, watching holiday movies and playing board games at Anmer Hall foster a "sense of normalcy and joy," for their children, a family friend shared.
These moments are particularly significant this year, as the family navigates the challenges of the future queen's recent cancer recovery. Another pal noted, "There is a light at the end of the tunnel," highlighting the optimism that these personal traditions bring during a transformative period.
Speaking of His Majesty, the King is reportedly hosting an expansive gathering at Sandringham, marking one of the largest family Christmases in recent memory — even set to eclipse Elizabeth II's 70 Christmases as sovereign.
Many of the British royal family's Christmas traditions are said to have developed during the reign of Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century.
Approximately 40 family members are expected to attend, including Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker-Bowles, who has been invited for the first time. This inclusive approach signifies a modernized royal family, embracing both traditional and contemporary family structures," an insider pointed out.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with their spouses and children are expected to top the guest list at the Wales Xmas shindig, while Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson and possible additional guests of the Queen are also set to attend at Sandringham.
Sarah Ferguson joined Prince Andrew for the royal Christmas walk in 2023, and is set to repeat the tradition again this year.
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Us Weekly reported on the family's Christmas plans.