Festive Fun at Sandringham Castle
It's that time of year again! The British royal family will be ringing in the festive season at their traditional home, Sandringham Castle in Norfolk. But don't be fooled by the stuffy royal image – this year's celebrations promise to be anything but stodgy.
New Faces, Familiar Spaces
Just a month after King Charles III's (75) coronation, the monarchy is set to welcome new faces to its beloved Sandringham Castle. This year, the children and grandchildren of Charles' wife, Camilla (76), will join the holiday festivities, leading to some logistical changes. With an anticipated influx of family members, it seems the royal feast may move from the dining room to the larger ballroom to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Sports and Games
When it comes to Christmas Eve, the royals like to keep moving. As per reports from royal expert Jennie Bond in "OK!" magazine, the family often enjoys a soccer match, inviting some of the staff to join the fun on the sprawling 20,000-hectare estate. With Prince William (42) being known for his soccer passion, it's safe to assume he'll be one of the first to kick a ball around.
A Game of Pong
Royal holidays wouldn't be complete without some amusing games. According to Jennie Bond, card games and charades are popular choices, with Duke of Cambridge's wife, Kate Middleton (42), especially fond of the drinking game "Beer Pong." The twist here is that instead of ping pong balls, table tennis balls are used, and the opponent has to drink the cup they hit.
Charades and Laughter
Royal expert Phil Dampier revealed that Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) had a penchant for charades. Her impersonations of world leaders like Boris Yeltsin and US presidents were notorious among her family members. It's a safe bet that her successor, Charles, will follow in her footsteps and have his family in splits with his theatrical performances.
Royal Christmas Planner
It seems that now that Queen Elizabeth II is no longer with us, her duties have been divided among her family. Camilla seems to have taken the lead in planning the Christmas celebrations for Sandringham this year. Historian Kate Williams emphasized that, in the past, the Queen and her husband had shared these duties. In Camilla's new role as Queen Consort, she's expected to assume a larger share of the holiday preparations.
Funny Gifts and Formal Attire
The British royals have always been known for their extravagant gifts, but that's not the case for Christmas. In fact, the more hilarious the present, the better! Professor Williams revealed that in the past, William and Kate bought Harry a set to wax his girlfriend's hair, while the Duke of Edinburgh got a light-up pepper mill and the Queen was gifted an apron. So long as Camilla's relatives get the memo, we're sure to see some side-splitting gifts this year.
Five Formal Outfit Changes
When it comes to their attire, the British royals are not joking around. Designer Jacques Azagury revealed that the family makes at least five formal outfit changes during the holidays, pulling out their tiaras and long dresses, and really going above and beyond to mark the special occasion.
Together on the Television
Just like millions of households in the UK, the royals will be tuning in to King Charles' speech on Christmas Day. The tradition of attending the Christmas service at St. Mary Magdelene Church remains a firm fixture in their schedule.
Relaxed and Fun-Filled
While last Christmas was dominated by mourning, royal experts believe that this year's celebrations will be more relaxed and informal. With children under the age of ten running around, it's sure to be chaos but, according to Jennie Bond, more fun than ever.
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- This Christmas, King Charles III and his family will be celebrating at Sandringham Castle, taking a more relaxed approach to the holiday festivities.
- New members have joined the family celebrations, including children and grandchildren of Camilla, which may necessitate a move from the dining room to a larger ballroom for the feast.
- The royals enjoy moving around on Christmas Eve, and the staff is occasionally invited to join a soccer match at the 20,000-hectare estate.
- Game enthusiasts among the family enjoy cards, charades, and relatively modern activities like Duke Kate's fondness for "Beer Pong."
- Queen Elizabeth II loved charades and often impersonated world leaders. It's expected that her son, King Charles III, will inherit her passion for the game.
- Camilla appears to have taken on the role of planning the entire festivity, following the tradition established by her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
- Gift-giving among the royals is all about humor, with items like Harry's "waxing kit", a light-up pepper mill, and an apron being popular choices in the past.
- Designer Jacques Azagury revealed that, during the holidays, the royals put their best foot forward, with at least five formal outfit changes and the parading of tiaras and long dresses.
- Just like the rest of the UK, the royals will be watching King Charles III's speech on Christmas Day and attending the traditional Christmas Eve church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
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