Christmas traditions run deep in the British royal family, but this year will see some notable changes in the holiday plans. It has been revealed that Princess Beatrice, who is expecting her second child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in early spring, will now be joining the family gathering at Sandringham after receiving medical advice not to travel long distances in her condition.
The Princess and her husband had originally planned to spend the festive season overseas with Mapelli Mozzi’s family. However, in light of the guidance from her doctors, they have made the decision to stay closer to home and celebrate with King Charles and Queen Camilla at their private Norfolk estate.
A Full House at Sandringham
Despite some absences, it appears that Sandringham will still be bustling this Christmas. Prince William recently let slip that a total of 45 family members will be “all in one room” for the holiday. The estate has long been the traditional site of the royal family’s Christmas celebrations, dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal Traditions Carry On
Guests of the King and Queen can expect a full itinerary of beloved royal holiday customs, including:
- The Christmas Eve exchanging of gag gifts
- A formal black-tie dinner
- A full English breakfast on Christmas morning
- The annual walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church
- Watching the King’s Christmas broadcast
You can expect a blend of long-held traditions and some new twists now that Charles is King. But the focus is always on family togetherness.
— Royal historian Marlene Koenig
Notably Absent Royals
Not every member of the royal family will be present at Sandringham this year, however. Most significantly, the Duke of York will be staying away as he continues to lay low following the controversy surrounding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and alleged involvement with disgraced Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo.
In what is seen as a show of solidarity, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York will also be skipping the Sandringham celebrations. The two are said to be spending the day together at Royal Lodge, their shared home on the Windsor estate.
Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s younger sister, has also opted to celebrate apart from the larger family group this year. She and her husband Jack Brooksbank will be joining his side of the family for the holiday instead.
A Time for Family
For Princess Beatrice, the change of plans will allow her to be surrounded by family during this special time as she prepares to welcome her second child. The new baby will be a younger sibling to the Princess’s daughter Sienna, age 3, and stepson “Wolfie,” age 8.
While royal Christmases are steeped in tradition and ceremony, at their heart they are about being with family. Just as regular families experience changes year to year in who is able to gather together, the royals are no different. The unique circumstances of each family member mean an ever-changing festive landscape. But the timeless themes of sharing, gratitude, and togetherness continue to underpin this most royal of celebrations.
