Christmas is a time for tradition and celebration around the world, and the British royal family is no exception. This year, Princess Catherine celebrated the holiday at Sandringham, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals for their annual festive gathering. While the family’s Christmas spirit is vibrant, there are a few surprising rules that even the most senior members, including the King himself, must follow.
One such tradition revolves around alcohol. Despite the festive atmosphere, the royal family sticks to a strict principle of moderation when it comes to drinking. Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles during his time as Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011, has shared that he has never seen a royal family member drunk. Although royal Christmas parties are known for being full of fun, Harrold emphasizes that overindulgence is simply not allowed.
The Royal Christmas dinner itself is also carefully planned, with a curated menu that includes wines paired with each course. White wine is served with the starter, red wine accompanies the main course, and rosé or pink champagne is poured for dessert. This attention to detail reflects the royal family’s commitment to sophistication and self-control, even during the most joyful times of the year.
This year’s celebration at Sandringham was particularly notable, as Prince William revealed that 45 members of the royal family were present. However, as is tradition, the family spread out across different rooms instead of congregating in one space for an extended period. This custom ensures that everyone can enjoy quality time without feeling overcrowded, maintaining a sense of order even during a festive gathering.
For the younger members of the royal family, Christmas traditions are just as important. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are expected to reach a specific milestone before joining the adults at the dinner table: they must be able to hold polite conversations. This long-standing tradition helps teach the younger royals the art of engaging in social settings. Former Palace chef Darren McGrady recalls that until they mastered this skill, young royals dined at the children's table, supervised by royal nannies. The children's menu is designed to be both nutritious and enjoyable, and McGrady remembers making vegetables fun and creative for young princes William and Harry.
Although this tradition continues, Prince William and Princess Catherine have also introduced more modern parenting approaches. They involve their children in public events and charitable activities, preparing George, Charlotte, and Louis for their future royal duties while also allowing them to enjoy the festive cheer of Christmas.
The royal Christmas at Sandringham represents a fascinating blend of age-old customs and modern values. From the precise dinner arrangements to the careful grooming of young royals for their future responsibilities, every detail reflects the family's dedication to tradition, while embracing adaptability. This year’s celebrations were especially meaningful for Princess Catherine, who attended after a challenging year. Prince William had previously described 2023 as “brutal” for his wife, following her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment. Despite these hardships, Catherine’s presence at Sandringham highlighted her resilience and commitment to her royal role.
Though Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are not yet part of the adult dining experience, they are already learning the values and traditions that define royal life. By mastering polite conversation and participating in significant events, they are being prepared for the responsibilities they will one day inherit. This gradual introduction ensures they will be ready to step into their royal roles when the time comes.
