December 24, 2024
King Charles has reportedly brought personal touch to the Christmas celebrations this year.
As reported by OK! Magazine, royal experts has shared the insights into how Christmas is at Sandringham.
“It has a very special place in the hearts of the royals. Cameras are rarely invited in, so it’s one of their most private residences. They feel 100% at ease there,” Duncan Larcombe shared.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Seward added, "Guests often have to stay in vacated servants’ quarters or cottages in the grounds. But if the King beckons, people go, so it’s up to him. One year, there were so many people, Princess Anne pitched up with a caravan that she used at horse shows and she stayed in that."
Additionally, they also revealed that King has made changes with the help of his sister-in-law, Annabel Elliot.
Despite the “limitations” to the changes, Royal expert Robert Jobson explained, “Charles and Camilla like things a little more luxurious than the late Queen, so they’ve introduced some nice little touches. The decor, towels and toiletries are more ‘classy country home’ than ‘stark hotel’ these days. His mother had paintings of horses on the walls. These have gradually changed to reflect the King’s own interests.”
Moreover, King has also softened the rigid 72-hour festive timetable as Robert revealed, "back then, if you weren’t where you were supposed to be at the correct time, there was trouble!”
“The King is less rigid so there’s more fluidity with timings,” he added.
Although the main event is “Christmas eve dinner” Duncan explained, “Christmas Day at Sandringham House kicks off with a breakfast buffet."
"The whole family then walk – the King might be driven – to St Mary Magdalene Church for the 45-minute service. This classic photo opportunity is the only part of their Christmas on public display," he added.
Ingrid noted, “Even on Christmas Day, the family has to bow or courtesy when they first encounter the King and Queen.”