There are just a few hours left until the Windsors join millions of families around the world and gather for Christmas. This will, however, be an important date on the calendar for the British royal family, as it is the first since the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
From the beginning of his reign, the monarch made it clear that he was going to propose a much more austere and reduced reign than that of his predecessors, in addition to trying to modernize the institution. Following the restructuring of members of the royal family with official duties, the monarch transforms his Christmas. The king maintains the traditions of his mother, Elizabeth II, celebrating these dates at Sandringham Palace. However, there is something new: he will invite his wife’s family.
A novelty to say the least, since it was not until after her coronation that the Parker-Bowles spent the festivities at Sandrigham House with the British royal family. Thus, the two children of the now queen consort, Tom Parker-Bowles and Laura Lopes, will join the 40 family guests who appear on the exclusive list with their respective families at the impressive Norfolk property. Annabel Elliot, Camilla’s sister, will also attend the property after becoming a widow last March.
According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, the princes of Wales and their three children will attend the family event: George, Charlotte and Louis; in addition to the current monarch’s siblings: Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence. His children are also invited, so the arrival of Peter Phillips is expected with little Savannah and Isla; and Zara and Mike Tindal with Mia, Lena and Lucas. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also invited with their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl Wessex.
The presence of the king’s third brother, Prince Andrew, is also expected, despite the scandals in which he has been involved; as well as that of his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, with whom he currently lives, and his two daughters. Princess Eugenie will come from the United States with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and her children, August and Ernest. Her sister, Princess Beatrice, will attend with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli, and her two little ones, Sienna and Christopher.
In addition, other family members will join the celebration. The king could count on the children of Princess Margaret, sister of Elizabeth II, who would join their respective families. Lady Sarah with her husband, Daniel Chatto, and her children; as well as David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, are her family.
Once again, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will be the big absentees from this family celebration. The youngest of the monarch’s children, his wife and two children, Archie and Lilibet, will spend the holidays in the United States, where they currently reside and since they left the United Kingdom.
The last time Prince Henry visited his native country was during his father’s Coronation last May, staying just a few hours. It would not be until a few weeks ago, coinciding with Charles III’s birthday, that the expected rapprochement between father and son would occur, with many pointing out that this could be the beginning of repairing their battered relationship. However, he won’t arrive in time for Christmas.
The celebration is expected to begin on Christmas Eve itself, in the afternoon, with all the guests arriving at the palace with their gifts, following the tradition of the invisible friend game. A game in which everyone participates and that kicks off the party, right at tea time, which is held in the famous Red Room.
In the evening, the Christmas Eve dinner is held, moved to the Sandringham ballroom due to the increase in guests this year; with a menu consisting of six courses. On Christmas Day, there will be a church service and lunch, followed by a viewing of the King’s speech at three o’clock in the afternoon.
