Royal family's Christmas plans thrown into chaos by unlikely arrivals

The Royal family, despite their global fame, have a surprisingly simple Christmas wish list: happiness, good health and quality time with family. Queen Elizabeth II has always valued the presence of her loved ones.

"One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree," she shared in her 2015 Christmas message. For King Charles, who has had a challenging year due to illness, spending time with his family at his Norfolk estate, Sandringham, will provide much-needed relaxation.

"The tradition of togetherness at Christmas was a big thing for the late Queen but it's important for Charles, too, especially this year," Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, The Princess Of Wales, exclusively told OK!

. "It's a lovely chance to see his grandchildren. He'll be surrounded by those he cherishes most, enjoying the chance to eat, drink and be merry with them."

King Charles's marriage to Queen Camilla has transformed him into the patriarch of a diverse family which many find familiar. His Royal brood includes five grandchildren from his sons – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reports the Mirror.

Additionally, he embraces his role as step-grandfather to another set of five: Lola, Eliza, Louis, Gus and Freddy, on the side of his wife, according to an OK!

report. Previously, it was tradition for Queen Camilla to slip away after the Christmas lunch to have a glass of red wine with her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.

Last year marked a shift when King Charles opened the doors to the wider family. "Throw in the Tindalls' three plus Beatrice and Eugenie's kids, and it will be chaos – a Christmas dominated by children," observes Royal expert Duncan Larcombe.

"But kids are a great healer and a great distraction. After the strain caused by the King and Kate's health battles, the royals will focus on making it a really fun and enchanting Christmas for them. They'll welcome some light relief, and the children will provide that."

In 2022, the Duchess of York found herself back in the Royal fold for the first time in 30 years, spending time with the Duke of York at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. It was like a dream come true for her when she was invited to join Prince Andrew and their daughters for the traditional Christmas Day walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church.

"They can't go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service," Robert commented. "It's useful that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be involved."

This year's Royal Christmas celebrations will feel the absence of some key family members.

A source revealed: "I'm sure it'll play on the King's mind that he's unlikely to see Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to remain in California. The whole Harry scenario will loom large over the royals. He's a very lively character so he's very much missed, but it's difficult for the family to trust him."

Reflecting on previous years, the late Queen had experienced several Christmas venue changes—choosing Windsor Castle when convenient in the 60s, returning there in 1988 due to renovations, and during the pandemic, she spent her final Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor in 2020.

King Charles's ascension to the throne hasn't led to a complete departure from Royal traditions, as Royal expert Robert points out, "nothing dramatic has changed". The usual Royal festivities continue: the sending out of official Christmas cards, charity events, festive decorations at palaces, traditional carol singing, and the much-anticipated pre-Christmas luncheon that brings together royals of all ranks for a grand meal, now hosted at Windsor Castle instead of Buckingham Palace.

Prince Harry has shared insights into his father's devout practices, including nightly prayers, and it is expected that the King will attend church on Christmas Eve. Robert has revealed how the Royal Family's Christmas customs are adapting under King Charles.

"They still open the presents on Christmas Eve, attend the church service and tuck into a big lunch before watching the King's speech as a family," he says. "But Charles is less demanding of his guests than his parents were. He understands people have other commitments and doesn't expect them to hang around for the full three days. Camilla will be in charge of hosting. She'll make sure the tree is decorated just the way he likes it."

Meanwhile, Duncan remarked on the changing Royal customs: "In the past, female guests, like Kate, were required to pack up to seven different outfits," but notes that this is no longer the case, adding "That doesn't happen any more – the dress code is far more relaxed," he confirms. Significantly, the King's departure date from Sandringham marks a departure from tradition.

Unlike his mother who lingered until February to mark her father's passing, the new King opts for an earlier return to Balmoral.

This festive period will be the third without the late Queen and the fourth without Prince Philip, as Ingrid Seward, Royal commentator and author, reminds us: "Sandringham brings back lovely memories of them. They'll both be terribly missed and very much in the family's prayers," she shares. She muses that likely, "I imagine the King will also take a moment to reflect on the wonderful Christmases he spent at Windsor Castle when he was George's age. All his cousins would come to stay and it was magical for them."

The current monarch's devotion to duty may well shape his Christmas schedule, too, according to his former butler Grant Harrold. "The King works really, really hard," he exposes.

"Although Christmas Day is a holiday, I can assure you he'll be working on and off, like the late Queen used to. He doesn't stop thinking about work."

King Charles' Christmas message is expected to reflect the values and traditions he holds dear: duty, religion, peace and, of course, family. As he wraps up a challenging year and looks forward to a new one, we'll all be raising a glass to a happier and healthier 2025.