The Prince and Princess of Wales: Christmas Traditions and Changing Dynamics
The Prince and Princess of Wales are eagerly anticipating the festive season. This year, Catherine will once again host her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Traditionally, the royal couple spends Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham in Norfolk. This includes the well-loved tradition of greeting locals during their walk to church. In recent years, their children have joined them for this cherished outing.
For 2023, their Christmas plans remain unconfirmed. Historically, the couple has only missed royal Christmas celebrations on two occasions. The first was in 2012 when Catherine was in the early stages of her pregnancy with Prince George and suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. Shortly before Christmas, she was hospitalized, prompting the couple to spend the holiday with Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in Bucklebury, Berkshire. The decision allowed the princess to recover, with the couple later visiting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip privately at Sandringham.
The second exception occurred in 2016, when William and Catherine chose to spend Christmas with the Middletons again. This time, they brought their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to the local church service, accompanied by Catherine’s family. George and Charlotte charmed royal fans, leaving the church with candy canes. George wore a gray button-up coat, while Charlotte matched her mother in a navy jacket and burgundy tights.
In 2022, the Wales family resumed their traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, with Prince Louis making his debut at the church walk. The then five-year-old held his father Prince William’s hand as they joined the royal family, later walking with his mother to greet well-wishers. Observant royal fans noted Louis’ trousers resembled those worn by his older brother George in a past family photo, sparking speculation and comparisons.
As discussions swirl around royal Christmas plans, attention has also turned to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have spent little time in the UK. Lilibet, born in 2021, has reportedly visited the country only once, while Archie has lived in the US with his parents since he was an infant.
A recent poll revealed that 84% of 1,621 respondents believe the Sussexes should not bring their children to Sandringham for Christmas. Many expressed concerns about trust and the potential for private family moments to be leaked to the media or included in future interviews or books. Some readers shared a bittersweet perspective, noting that while Archie and Lilibet lack connections with their British relatives, it might be best for the royal family to enjoy a peaceful Christmas without unresolved tensions.
A 2020 photograph of King Charles (then Prince of Wales), Prince William, Prince George, and the late Queen Elizabeth II highlighted the royal succession. Taken in the throne room at Buckingham Palace, it symbolized the continuity of the monarchy. However, the image reportedly caused unease for Harry and Meghan, who questioned their roles within the institution.
Believing they were being sidelined, the Sussexes shocked the world just days later by announcing their decision to step back from their senior royal roles. Despite a few moments of reconciliation, including Archie and Lilibet singing “Happy Birthday” to King Charles for his 75th birthday, communication between the Sussexes and the royal family remains limited.
As the holiday season approaches, the dynamics within the royal family remain as complex as ever. Whether this year brings unity or distance, it is clear that the traditions and relationships within the monarchy continue to evolve.
