For the Royal Family, Christmas is a time for cherished traditions and family gatherings, with one constant being the majestic backdrop of Sandringham House in Norfolk. This year, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will once again host festivities at the estate, continuing a practice that dates back generations.
Festive Gatherings and Notable Absences
The King and Queen will be joined at Sandringham by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, alongside other close relatives. Princess Anne and Prince Edward, with his wife Sophie and their children, are expected, as are Zara and Mike Tindall with their young family.
However, the guest list reveals some significant omissions. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have not received an invitation for the 2025 celebrations, a continued reflection of the fallout from the Duke's association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Furthermore, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, are not expected to make the journey from the United States.
While Princess Beatrice was invited, she and her husband have opted for a skiing holiday. Queen Camilla's children, who celebrate with her every other year, will also be absent this Christmas.
A Rare Glimpse Inside the Royal Residence
While the family's Christmas Day remains a private affair after their traditional walk to St Mary Magdalene Church, rare photographs shared online have offered the public a peek inside Sandringham's grand rooms. The images, which sparked lively discussion on forums like Reddit, reveal opulent interiors filled with plush carpets, portraits, and meticulously coordinated colour schemes.
Reactions to the décor were mixed. Some observers found the rooms stunning, with one user praising a particular "stunning" green hue and comparing the interiors to design history books. Others described the furnishings as "dated" and the overall atmosphere as appearing "cold" and "lonely," even recalling Princess Diana's reported dislike for the chilly Christmases there.
The photos also showcase a magnificent library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, formal dining rooms set for guests, and the estate's immaculately kept grounds.
Historic Traditions and Future Changes
Sandringham, in royal ownership since 1862, is steeped in history. It was the location for King George V's first Christmas broadcast in 1932 and Queen Elizabeth II's first televised message a quarter-century later. Two monarchs, George V and George VI, also died at the estate.
The family upholds specific Christmas rituals. According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, men and women breakfast separately on Christmas morning. The women often have a light meal in bed, while the men enjoy a full English breakfast. The family then reunites for the walk to church.
Another tradition involves opening presents on Christmas Eve, following the German custom of Heiligabend Bescherung, as mentioned by Prince Harry. However, reports suggest future changes are on the horizon. It is believed Prince William plans to reform certain customs when he becomes king, including potentially scrapping the long-standing practice of exchanging humorous £5 gifts in order of royal seniority.
The Sandringham Estate is usually open to visitors, but it will remain closed to the public for the remainder of 2025 as the Royal Family enjoys their private celebrations.
