King Charles plans changes for Christmas
Charles III has turned the royal family's Christmas plans upside down. However, he is sticking to the tradition of celebrating the festival in Sandringham.
Traditions are sacred? At Charles III. this only applies to a limited extent. Britain’s new king has made some important changes to the royal family’s Christmas plans. But some things will remain the same: in a few weeks they will gather at Sandringham in Norfolk for their annual Christmas party – a traditional event where fans can wave to their royals as they walk to Christmas mass at St Mary Magdalene Church.
While the Royals always spend Christmas in Sandringham – with two Corona exceptions in the past two years – it will obviously be a little different this year. Not only because the festival was the first time without Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September, and with King Charles III. taking place as host, but also because the monarch will be making some important changes.
Christmas should be “less formal”
Jennie Bond, the BBC’s royal correspondent, told OK! magazine that Christmas with Charles will be “less formal” and “less buttoned up” than in previous years. In concrete terms, this means that Charles deviates from the royal protocol.
For example, in recent years, royals have been expected to follow strict guidelines, including bows and curtseys, during the holidays. But apparently Charles wants to create a more relaxed atmosphere in 2022. He is also said to have decided that not everyone has to be present at his speech.
Will Harry and Meghan be there?
Traditionally, the family sat down at 3 p.m. on December 25 to watch the televised address. Instead, Charles will pre-record the annual Christmas speech to the nation. His family is said to be spending the day commemorating the Queen. “I’m sure he’ll tape the speech a few days beforehand to reflect on her loss,” Bond said.
So while some traditions change, the royals will remain true to their annual walk around the Sandringham estate and then return home for Christmas lunch. The US emigrants Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry are said to have been invited to the family reunion, but are unlikely to return to Harry’s homeland for the holidays. As in the past year, it is becoming clear: the couple will spend the festival of love together with Meghan’s mother and the two children Archie and Lilibet in California.
