In a surprising shift from tradition, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has expressed a desire to move on from some of the centuries-old Royal Christmas customs, which she reportedly found odd when she first became Queen consort. While many of her personal customs are kept private, Catherine's popularity within the royal family remains undeniable. In fact, she currently ranks as the second most popular member of the family, just behind the late Queen Elizabeth II, according to the latest UGV poll.
Each year, the Royal Family gathers to celebrate Christmas with a series of time-honored traditions, one of the most notable being the Monarch's annual Christmas message. The family also participates in a Christmas Day walkabout, where they interact with the public on their way to church. However, much of the Royal Family's festive traditions take place behind closed doors, and it is within these private affairs that Catherine reportedly wants to make a change.
One particular tradition that Catherine finds peculiar is the Royal Family's exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day itself. This custom dates back to Queen Victoria's reign and has been upheld by successive monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. The practice is linked to the family's German heritage and was intended to keep Christmas Day focused on its spiritual meaning. However, Catherine is said to be keen on altering this tradition, opting instead for a more typical British Christmas Day celebration, in line with the broader efforts to modernize the monarchy and present a more relatable image to the public.
It is reported that William and Catherine plan to exchange their own gifts on Christmas Day, along with those for their children, rather than participating in the Christmas Eve exchange. One royal insider stated that the Princess of Wales has always found the Christmas Eve gift-giving tradition to be "weird" and is determined to change it once they officially take the reins.
In addition to these personal changes, Catherine is set to host a meaningful Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6th, which will be attended by a special group of guests. Among those invited are the child survivors of the tragic Southport stabbing, which occurred on July 29th. This attack claimed the lives of three children and left 10 others seriously injured. The event, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, deeply affected the local community. William and Catherine have since engaged with the victims' families, first responders, and the dance teacher who was critically injured.
Despite these shifts in tradition, some royal customs will remain unchanged. The much-discussed pheasant and partridge shooting party will proceed as usual on Boxing Day, though it is expected that William, rather than King Charles, will take the lead in the shoot. The traditional family walk to church on Christmas Day will also continue, preserving some of the most beloved royal customs.
With Catherine having overcome health concerns earlier this year, there is speculation that the couple may opt out of the Sandringham Christmas lunch with King Charles. Instead, they may choose to host a more intimate gathering at their home in Anmer Hall, with Catherine’s parents, Michael and Carole, in attendance. Because of the additional guests, the Christmas dinner will be served in the White Drawing Room, rather than the dining room where the late Queen hosted festive meals.
While King Charles is ushering in changes as the new monarch, he remains committed to maintaining many of the traditions that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, cherished. The royal family will still attend church together on Christmas morning and meet members of the public afterward. King Charles will also extend his Norfolk stay for New Year's Eve, rather than following the usual tradition of ringing in the New Year in Scotland. Sources suggest that he will head to the Highlands later in January.
As the royal family navigates this transition, it is clear that while some customs will endure, others are evolving to reflect a modernized monarchy.
