Royal Family’s Cheeky and Affordable Christmas Traditions Revealed

While the world may perceive the royal family as extravagant gift-givers, they have a different approach when it comes to Christmas.

As King Charles III takes over the throne, some traditions are expected to remain unchanged, including their lighthearted and cost-effective exchange of presents.

Perhaps, owning the crown jewels already plays a role in their preference for modest gifts.

However, there is a sad reality to this tradition.

Couples, like Prince William and Catherine, are separated during the first part of their Christmas day.

Reports suggest that while royal women enjoy breakfast in their rooms, men gather in the dining room for a meal before heading to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, England.

The reason behind this separation remains unclear, and it is uncertain if William and Catherine adhere to this rule every year.

On Christmas Eve, the entire royal family gathers at 6 p.m. in the Red Drawing Room of Sandringham Estate after enjoying afternoon tea.

It is here that they open their gifts.

In keeping with their German ancestry, the family sits around a long table covered with a white cloth and name cards.

The evening commences with each member finding their place and standing before their pile of presents.

Then, all at once, the frenzy begins, with family members eagerly tearing at bows and wrapping paper, engaging in lively conversations.

Once they enter the room, they discover their presents neatly arranged in front of them.

However, despite the quantity, the gifts are usually playful and inexpensive.

According to reports, the cheekier and cheaper the gift, the better.

When Prince Philip was alive, an additional rule was enforced: no one could open their presents until he gave the go-ahead, overseeing the joyful chaos.

Over the years, there have been memorable Christmas presents exchanged among the royals.

These include a whimsical “Ain't Life a Bitch” bath hat gifted by Harry to the Queen, a fish-shaped biro given to Harry by his great-aunt Princess Margaret, a “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” kit presented to Harry by Princess Catherine, and a white leather toilet seat bestowed upon King Charles by Princess Anne.

Interestingly, King Charles liked the gift so much that he now takes it with him on his overseas tours.

Princess Diana, however, once fell victim to the family's tradition of inexpensive and lighthearted gifts.

During her first Christmas at Sandringham as a newlywed in 1981, she gifted Princess Anne a cashmere sweater, only to receive a loo roll holder in return.

The following year, she tried her luck by giving Fergie a leopard print bath mat.

The tradition of having Christmas trees in royal households can be traced back to Queen Victoria, King Charles' great-great-great-grandmother, who popularized the practice in the 19th century.

Previously, the royal family donated trees to churches and schools in the Sandringham area, as well as to St. Paul's Cathedral in London and St. Giles Cathedral.

Sending out Christmas cards is another customary practice among royal family members.

These cards are typically sent to family, friends, and other members of the family, with some government officials also receiving them.

Although current figures have not been updated recently, it is estimated that during Queen Elizabeth II's reign, approximately 750 Christmas cards were sent out annually.

In 2023, King Charles's Christmas card conveyed warm wishes for a joyful Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, the Waleses, Prince William and Catherine, opted for a monochrome look for their family Christmas card photo.

The picture featured the family of five, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, all dressed in white button-down shirts and jeans, sending a simple yet elegant message this holiday season.

As the royal family continues to uphold their unique Christmas traditions, it is evident that their focus remains on cherishing moments with loved ones rather than extravagant gifts.