The British royal family stands by its values and traditions. It observes a number of them during Christmas, but it is entirely possible that after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September at the age of 96, some of them will be abolished. King Charles III is now the head of Christmas. (74), which tries to be a little more modern.
Christmas in the British royal family is a spectacular event and a time when its members cling to traditions more than ever. Above all, the deceased took care of their observance Queen Elizabeth II., who loved Sandringham, a country house in Norfolk, England, where she and her family traveled by train for many years. Her grandfather and her father breathed her last in this place, so she had a strong emotional bond with him.
The tradition of Christmas at Sandringham remains, but the royal family has followed a wide range of customs over the years. At the same time, some of them may be gradually abandoned after the death of the queen. Other customs, however, are so beautiful that they will likely be followed for decades to come.
Sending postcards
Members of the royal family not only send their loved ones postcards with photos and wishes for happy holidays and a pleasant start to the next year. At one time, for example, Queen A Prince Philip I sent over 850 hand signed postcards.
Family members also post photos of the cards on the Internet every year, which their fans look forward to. Most include children, whose photos are only rarely published by the family.
Gifts for employees
Buckingham Palace staff definitely don’t sharpen their teeth for the holidays. Each employee will receive a gift in the form of a voucher. Those who have served for at least one year in the royal family are entitled to it. The longer they work for you, the higher the economic value of the voucher.
The delivery of these vouchers takes place in a ceremonial manner. All staff will reunite, this year for the first time with the king instead of the queen, and receive a gift after their boss reads about what they’ve accomplished in service over the past year.
Christmas shopping
Queen Elizabeth II. of her loved the Christmas holidays and giving gifts to her loved ones made her happy. So for them she went to buy gifts by herself, to the luxury department store Harrods. One day in December the staff were always present even after closing hours, so the queen had the whole place to herself.
It is not clear whether this tradition will be taken up by the son after the death of the queen. Gift King Charles III may have a somewhat more modern attitude towards gift choices and may buy them, for example, on the Internet.
The service of the princess
Kate Middleton, now Princess of Wales, has taken steps to introduce the new tradition, so she is officially the youngest followed by the royal family. Last year you organized a church service where those present sang Christmas carols together. Then she caught herself playing the piano.
Also this year the event will be attended by all the senior members of the royal family and the event will not only refer to Christmas but will also be a tribute to the late monarch. It should be broadcast live on television.
Two Christmas trees
Two decorated Christmas trees have appeared right at Buckingham Palace during the holiday season. One alive, the other artificial. “The royal family has a classic tree and then a huge one in the dining room. It is man made, silver and over 30 years old. revealed former royal chef Darren McGrady.
Common decoration
As soon as all family members gather at Sandringham, the younger members have the pleasant task of decorating the tree together. Even when the Queen was alive, according to Darren McGrady, she put up with decent decorations, which is why she went to check the tree after the children intervened to make sure she didn’t look tacky.
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Joke gifts
The British royal family sit down for tea in the late afternoon on December 24 and then enjoy unwrapping presents. In public, most of the time they all act like serious people, but under the tree they love to surprise each other with playful gifts.
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A walk to the church
Christmas morning mass is a traditional stop for British aristocrats during the holiday season. While the Queen was always transported to the church by car, the others behaved rudely to the church A 45 minute walk. If this year King Charles III. whether he will decide to hike or drive like his mother did is not yet certain.
Social games
On Christmas Day, the royal family enjoy each other’s company well into the night. Protocol states that no one goes to bed until the monarch has retired to bed. The Queen enjoyed playing social games with her loved ones, such as charades, and did not go to sleep until midnight. Who knows if the new king will make his relatives go to bed earlier, or if on the contrary he will delay dinner.
Special dinner
Every year on Christmas Eve, the royal family enjoys a sumptuous buffet dinner. Chefs are also there to cut the food, according to Darren McGrady. The chef himself then cuts the Christmas ham and as soon as his work is done, he drinks with the ruler. The queen served whiskey to the cook. What will Charles III do is the question.
Christmas message
Every year on December 25th, the citizens of Great Britain sat in front of televisions to listen to the Christmas message. Queen Elizabeth II. she always filmed it in advance. This year, for the first time, this pleasant duty awaits her son.
