Even on the most festive of days, the British Royal Family adheres to a strict set of protocols, with the youngest members not exempt from long-standing traditions. According to a former palace chef, the Prince and Princess of Wales's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, do not join their parents for the main Christmas Day dinner at Sandringham.
Nursery Dining: A Lesson in Royal Etiquette
Darren McGrady, who cooked for both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, has provided a glimpse into the festive routines. He explained that the young royals typically take their meals in the nursery with their nannies, a practice designed to instil proper table manners from an early age. "The children always ate in the nursery until they were old enough to conduct themselves properly at the dining table," McGrady told Harper's Bazaar.
This separation during significant meal times is a key part of their upbringing, intended to teach them how to engage in polite conversation. McGrady noted that the nursery menu, controlled by the nanny, ensures balanced meals that introduce the children to a variety of healthy vegetables and more sophisticated 'grown-up' dishes.
The Grand Christmas Feast at Sandringham
When the wider family gathers, the main Christmas dinner is a grand affair held in Sandringham's green dining room. Royal expert Ingrid Seward has described the setting, featuring a long mahogany table adorned with exotic Victorian-style floral arrangements. The finest crystal and china from the estate's collections are used for the occasion.
The centrepiece of the meal is traditionally a Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings, including both roast and mashed potatoes. McGrady shared a cherished tradition where the head chef on duty would carve the turkey before the family. The late Queen Elizabeth II would then present the chef with a glass of whisky, and they would raise a toast as a modest thank you for their year-round service.
Balancing Tradition with Normalcy
This insight into the structured Christmas Day comes despite the Prince and Princess of Wales's frequently stated desire to raise their three children with as much normality as possible. The revelation highlights the enduring nature of royal customs, where even festive celebrations are intertwined with lessons in duty and decorum for the future King and his siblings.
The protocols ensure that from a young age, the royal heirs understand the expectations placed upon them, blending family time with the unique responsibilities of their position within the monarchy.
