How to have a very royal Christmas: 10 royal expert approved rituals for a regal festive season
How to get festive like the royals...
Every year, the royal family’s Christmas celebrations are observed with eagle-eyes.
And every year royal fans are engrossed with the opulence of the royal family’s festivities. From Princess Kate’s shimmering Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, to the royal family’s glamorous outfits during their walkabout at Sandringham.
This year, we thought we could bring a touch of royal merriment directly to you, with a deep dive into how to give your Christmas a hint of royal glamour.
If you’re looking to give your festivities that really regal feel, then look no further…
How to have a very royal Christmas
The royal’s Christmas festivities are widely discussed, with much interest in their opening of presents on Christmas Eve, playing charades and of course, the king’s appearance on our TV screens at 3pm on the big day.
But what else do the regal relatives get up to in the run up to the big day and whilst cosied up at Sandringham?
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, has exclusively given us a comprehensive run down. As well as insight into what Christmas Day 2025 might look like for The Firm.
Before the Christmas season fully kicks off, the royals traditionally send out a Christmas card. The card always features a picture of themselves.
This year, Charles and Camilla chose a photograph of themselves taken in Rome, in early 2025.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Kate posed with their children for a photograph, taken back in April, at one with nature in a meadow filled with flowers.
Fancy having a go at a royal inspired Christmas card to commemorate your past year? This is how you can make it possible…
And it is pretty simple!
Strike your most regal pose for a Christmas card photograph
Royal commentator Richard says: “If you want a Christmas card which copies the royal cards it would involve a family photograph, skilfully taken.
“The royal card will be examined closely and spread worldwide. If there’s anyone you want to reach out to in the family, include them in the photo as a gesture of goodwill. If there’s an anniversary to be celebrated, this is the ideal opportunity.
“It’s that easy, snap a photo with your loved ones, print it out and stick it into your Christmas cards. Or, easier still, attach it to an e-card and send via email!
Although Christmas cards are usually nothing more than a moment to send greetings during the festive period, there is greater meaning behind the cards the royals send.
Richard explains: “For the royals it has to be partly a PR exercise. Even in a less pressurised environment, who appears is highly significant.
“Also, remember if you show any photos in the photograph, be careful who you exclude. The Sussexes were aghast to be left out of the Queen’s Christmas Message in 2019.”
Give your home a touch of Sandringham glamour
The inner circle of The Firm traditionally flock to Sandringham to celebrate at this time of year, where they stay until New Year and soak in the festivities.
Richard explained how indulging in some royal-inspired decorations could give your home that luxurious Sandringham feel.
He told us: “The Royal Collection offer wonderful gifts which would help to decorate the home of an ardent royalist.”
And he is right, from Buckingham Palace teapot baubles to corgi decorations, The Royal Collection offers a slew of very regal trimmings for your Christmas tree.
But do note, they come at a significant price. The cheapest decoration currently available on their website, a mouse ‘guardsman’, is £12.
However, there are more affordable options that can still give your home that luxe touch.
Richard suggests: “The wreath on the front door should be a Buckingham Palace wreath with a crown and underneath it, a red bow.”
Wreaths can be hand made with cuttings from your own garden. If you are feeling particularly creative, they can be made from left over craft supplies.
Or, perhaps your decorations are already up and you just need a final, subtle, finishing touch that would gain King Charles’s royal approval.”Instead of a fairy on the top of the Christmas tree, why not put a palace guardsman,” Richard said. We love that idea!<
Welcome guests with special details inspired by Buckingham Palace
Richard adds that Sandalwood soap for the bathroom and hand towels with a crest could also be a discrete but royal touch.That will surely wow guests! Especially if you share your knowledge on how the royals prepare for their visitors.
Now your home is comparable to a royal residence, it is time to figure out your plans and rituals. Famously, the royals have several traditions that they enjoy during the festivities that are a staple in their schedules.
Akin to previous years, the royal family exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. This tradition was made popular by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, inspired by their German heritage.
Speaking of the royal’s arrival at Sandringham, Richard told us: “They arrive on Christmas Eve at Sandringham in time for tea and the least important members arrive first.
“There is always enormous interest in who is present and who is absent. This year Beatrice and Eugenie are likely to be present having missed the event at Sandringham last year to be with their husbands’ families.”
Open a present on Christmas Eve
Richard highlighted the family’s gift exchanging ritual, stating: “The German influence which dates back from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert is evident in the way gifts are exchanged at tea time. And she popularised Christmas trees, introduced earlier by Queen Charlotte, Consort of George III, to England.
Many families also pay tribute to this ritual by opening one present on Christmas Eve. Why not give it a go if you don’t already?
After presents are laid out on trestle tables, the royal family enjoy an evening meal together.
“They have a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve, with a traditional menu which reportedly includes Camilla’s favourite cocktail, the ‘Zaza’ which includes gin, sherry and orange,” Richard explains.
But what do the royals gift each other?
Treat your loved one to a hilarious gag gift
“The royals traditionally give each other joke gifts. Supposedly Charles was once given a white leather loo seat by Anne, Harry gave Queen Elizabeth a bath hat with ‘ain’t life a b***ch’ on it and Catherine gave him a ‘grow your own girlfriend’ kit.
“Diana was unaware of this on her first Sandringham Christmas and bought expensive presents.”
Well, a gag gift is an easy royal touch to add to your Christmas present exchange, especially if you wish to garner a few laughs.
If you are on the hunt for a royal-inspired gift that is a little more thoughtful, to treat a loved one, Richard has a wonderful and heartfelt idea.
Opt for a heartfelt yet very regal stocking-filler
He suggests a Paddington bear toy, reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s tea with Paddington sketch, a cuddly corgi or a Buckingham Palace Guardsman Bear.
“Christmas is the perfect time for children to enjoy themselves,” he affirmed.
On Christmas Day, the royals gather at St Magdalene’s Church for a morning service.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel the big day
Before that, Richard explained that the royals enjoy a hearty breakfast:”On Christmas Day the men go downstairs for a traditional English breakfast, whilst the ladies are served in their rooms.”
He also shared his predictions about the royals in attendance: “The Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate is famous and filmed, the images go worldwide.
“It is certain that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, last there in 2023 for Christmas, will be absent.
The royals traditionally enjoy a walkabout around the estate. There, they meet with royal fans gathered in droves, who often present them with flowers and gifts.
The Firm then sit down for Christmas dinner together at Sandringham House. Afterwards, they watch the King’s Christmas broadcast.
Tune in to King Charles’s Christmas message broadcast
“There is a formal festive lunch of turkey and the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. The family then watch the King’s Christmas Message in the monarch’s own words which goes to the Commonwealth. The annual theme is most important.”
They are also said to have afternoon tea later in the day, where they indulge in sweet desserts, reportedly including a chocolate yule log.
And if you really want to feel as fancy as the royals, why not switch up your outfit through the day?
Switch up your outfits
Richard explained: “Several changes of clothes are required, there were reports that Queen Elizabeth changed clothes for breakfast. Church, lunch, tea and afternoon walk and dinner.”
After a day filled with food and time with the family, the royals are said to be ready to unwind. Richard shared a glimpse into how the royals would relax on Christmas Day evening and how you could too.
Play games like charades
“There is also charades, which the royals traditionally play. Sometimes they play games. Though, the late Queen considered monopoly ‘too vicious’.
“They could also watch a film. There is also a buffet dinner in the evening.”
The following day, Boxing Day, is said to be a laid-back affair for the royals. They usually spend it in the outdoors on a pheasant shoot.
The family also unwind with TV and games, as per reports.
And if you’re wondering how a royal expert spends Christmas Day, well, Richard even shared his plans!
“I always watch the televised shots of the royals at St Mary Magdalene, head to my Christmas with cousins and break off from the main meal which lasts until late afternoon to watch the Christmas Message on which I invariably am asked to comment on, sometimes throughout the afternoon or later if broadcasting abroad.”
How wonderful! Merry Christmas everyone!
Read more: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s ‘true feelings’ during royals’ pre-Christmas lunch
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