The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity for the Wales family, with one of the highlights being their much-anticipated **Christmas Carol Service** at Westminster Abbey, scheduled for December 6th. This cherished annual tradition, spearheaded by Princess Catherine, aims to unite the nation in a celebration of kindness, community, and giving.
The holiday season has always been a special time for the British royal family, marked by **Christmas gatherings** at the Sandringham Estate. While things might be a little different under **King Charles’s reign**, the festive spirit remains.
In past years, Queen Camilla would often slip away after Christmas lunch to enjoy a glass of red wine with her son, food critic **Tom Parker Bowles**, and her daughter **Laura Lopes**. However, last year saw King Charles extending invitations to his broader family—a move that reportedly disappointed **Prince William**.
Although the Wales family has often opted out of Christmas Day lunch at Sandringham in favor of a more informal gathering at their Amner Hall residence, they are expected to attend this year—especially if Queen Camilla invites her son, Tom, once again.
For those unfamiliar, Tom Parker Bowles has been a regular at royal events since his mother married King Charles. However, his presence at Sandringham seems to cause discomfort for Prince William. Insiders suggest that while William has made peace with his father’s marriage to Camilla, he remains uneasy about Tom’s lifestyle.
According to royal correspondent **Tom Sykes**, the Wales family often prefers a low-key Christmas celebration at Amner Hall, focusing on privacy and relaxation. However, this year’s plans appear more complicated, with Prince William reportedly wary of spending time with Tom Parker Bowles.
In what might be a break from royal tradition, there are hints that Prince William and Princess Catherine could plan an **alternative Christmas celebration**, opting for a quieter gathering with their children and close friends.
So, what changes might King Charles introduce to the royal family’s Christmas traditions? According to royal expert Larcom, any shifts will likely be subtle. “I don’t think Charles will rip up the rule book, but there’s a strong chance he’ll loosen some of the stricter traditions,” Larcom suggests.
For example, Charles may ease protocols like avoiding political discussions over dinner or requiring everyone to stay at the table until the monarch leaves. These small changes reflect his more relaxed approach compared to his late father, **Prince Philip**, who was known for enforcing such rules.
Adding to the changes this year is the fact that King Charles has been undergoing cancer treatment since February 2024. His health has led to speculation that this Christmas will be a quieter affair compared to 2023.
Meanwhile, the Wales family is reportedly planning a **“rival” Christmas celebration** at Amner Hall, their home on the Sandringham estate. Known for their modern approach, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be considering scrapping the royal custom of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve—a tradition they feel may seem outdated when they ascend the throne.
As for the rest of the royal family, plans remain uncertain. A friend of **Prince Andrew** shared that the usual clarity around invitations and schedules is missing this year. “It’ll be a quieter Christmas, but the question is: how quiet? Usually, everyone knows where they’re supposed to be by now. This year, it’s a wait-and-see situation.”
