Christmas is widely regarded as the most wonderful time of the year—a season for kindness, gratitude, love, and reflection on all we hold dear.
As is tradition, the British Royal Family spent this festive holiday at Sandringham, with the Prince and Princess of Wales ensuring their three children partake in the family’s cherished customs. “It’s important to them that their kids share childhood traditions like their school pals,” an insider told Us Weekly in 2018, adding, “They’re going all-out to make it extra special.”
A Festive Royal Celebration
The royal family celebrates Christmas with an array of time-honored traditions. On Christmas Eve, they gather for a formal dinner featuring Norfolk shrimp and lamb, while Christmas morning begins with a hearty English breakfast of eggs, sausages, bacon, and beans. After their customary visit to St Mary Magdalene Church, they enjoy a Christmas lunch with roast turkey as the centerpiece.
Interestingly, one quirky tradition dating back to Henry VII still continues: family members “weigh in before and after Christmas lunch,” as per Us Weekly. Later in the afternoon, they gather to watch the annual Christmas speech, now delivered by King Charles following the late Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
In his most recent address, King Charles reflected on themes of faith, compassion, and unity, expressing gratitude to the countless volunteers who serve their communities. “Over this past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another,” he said. Charles also touched upon global conflicts and prayed for peace in the year ahead. “The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’”
Royal Rules and Traditions
Tradition is at the heart of the British monarchy, with many customs dating back centuries. These include strict dress codes that often fascinate the public. Royals are frequently seen in gloves, military uniforms, tiaras, or elaborate jewelry. The late Queen Elizabeth’s iconic rainbow-colored coats and hats, for instance, were rooted in a tradition that discouraged women from showing their hair. Even today, colored nail polish and jeans are largely off-limits for royals.
One custom that stands out is the rule dictating that young boys wear shorts, regardless of the weather. Etiquette expert William Hanson explained to Harper’s Bazaar, “Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England.” This year, young Prince Louis caught the public’s eye, donning a blazer and tie for the first time, a look designed to feel both age-appropriate and fun. “He also matched perfectly with his mother and sister,” noted children’s wear designer Rachel Riley.
Prince Louis: The Show-Stealer
Prince Louis once again captured public attention with his youthful exuberance during the royal family’s Christmas walk to church. Holding hands with his father, Prince William, and his second cousin Mia Tindall, Louis appeared both excited and impatient. “Like most small children on Christmas morning, he looked eager but also restless,” said body language expert Judi James. She noted how William calmed his son with a gentle hand on the back of his head, balancing affection with reassurance.
This isn’t the first time Louis has stolen the spotlight. During the Trooping the Colour event, he entertained onlookers with his expressive reactions, from holding back a sneeze to mimicking a drumbeat. Author Tom Quinn remarked in his book Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family that Kate Middleton’s calm yet firm parenting approach has often been praised, including moments when Louis displayed mischievous behavior.
Raising Royals
While Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are still young, they are already learning to navigate the expectations of royal life. During the Trooping the Colour, Kate Middleton famously instructed her children with an eight-word command: “Do not look behind whilst on the coach.” Kate managed her children with poise as Prince William rode on horseback. “She beamed with pride when Louis began miming drumming along with the band,” noted Judi James. “Her gestures also appeared to provide gentle guidance, such as when to wave and when to refrain.”
Through these small yet significant moments, the younger royals are introduced to the weight of tradition, ensuring that the spirit of the monarchy remains intact for future generations. Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, the royal family remains committed to instilling values of duty, respect, and togetherness in the youngest members of the household.
