King Charles’ strict rules for the Royal Family’s Christmas at Sandringham
With the Royal Family heading to the King’s Norfolk estate for the festive season, the monarch has the family on a precise timetable for Christmas Day
In keeping with years of tradition, King Charles and the Royal Family are heading to Sandringham to spend the festive season together. Charles and Camilla will travel to the Norfolk estate with Prince William and Princess Kate, who will have their three children in tow, where they will be joined by a host of other royals.
Prince Edward and Sophie are also expected to head to Sandringham, along with their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, as will Princess Anne and Zara and Mike Tindall, and their three children. There will be some notable absences this year though, as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson have been outcast.
The festivities will begin on Christmas Eve, as is tradition at Sandringham, when the Royal Family arrive at the King’s country retreat. But Christmas for the Firm isn’t a relaxed affair like it is for most families, as they are kept on a strict timetable for several days.
According to royal expert Robert Jobson, there is one major rule that all members of the family have to abide by throughout the festive time in Norfolk. Jobson told HELLO! Magazine : “There’s an unspoken rule for guests: do not arrive late. There is no grace period,”
“After completing the odd custom, dating back to Edward VII, of being weighed on antique jockey’s scales, guests are on the clock. They change for a formal lunch, served by royal staff in the dining room. Afterwards, most go on an afternoon walk – one of the few moments when the schedule loosens up. But even then, they are on a timer. By 5pm, everyone must be back for afternoon tea.”
Then on Christmas Day, royal fans flock to Norfolk where they queue for hours to catch a glimpse of the family on their way to and from St Mary Magdalene Church.
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Charles keeps a strict timetable for the festive period (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images)
As Jobson said: “What many do not realise is that the King and his family will have been to church once already that morning for a private service, away from the cameras and onlookers.”
The Royal Family, much like the entire nation, sit down for a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and luxury Christmas crackers, as Robert said: “Everyone, even the King, wears paper hats from inside the crackers.”
As King Charles’ year is set to end on a positive note, given his recent news that he will reduce his cancer treatment schedule in the new year , this year’s Sandringham Christmas will certainly be cause for celebration.
“The year has ended on a very positive note for the King, and the good news regarding his health will undoubtedly lift his spirits and those of the people around him. It will have brought reassurance to both him and his family,” says Robert.
“It will be good for him to have a chance to relax among his loved ones. It will be a very special time. I’m sure he will raise a glass this Christmas to those who care for him.”
After receiving weekly treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early 2024, Charles made the happy announcement about his health in a televised message, which was broadcast on Channel 4 as part of its Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
