Royal Family faces major shake-up to Christmas schedule now Charles is King, says expert
THE Royal Family faces some major changes to their Christmas schedule now that Charles is King, a royal expert has claimed.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says that while the royals will still gather at Sandringham in Norfolk to celebrate the festivities, it will be “less formal” than usual.
She also said they will not tune in to watch the King’s speech.
The royal expert said that previously Christmas had been a formal celebration in the Royal household, with the family either bowing or curtsying to the Queen.
However, the author told OK! that now Charles was monarch, it would be “less buttoned up” than in previous years.
Ms Bond also said King Charles would break the family tradition of gathering to watch the monarch’s TV address to the nation when it airs on Christmas Day in the afternoon.
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She said Charles would drop the “archaic” ritual and instead have his loved ones focus on reminiscing about their happy times with the Queen.
In addition, she said Charles will likely follow in his mother’s footsteps and pre-record his speech ahead of time.
Ms Bond said: “I’m sure he’ll record [the speech] a few days before and it’s bound to have some reflection on their loss.”
Some traditions are expected to remain though, and the royals are likely to attend the service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate before returning home for the Christmas dinner.
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Last month it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the Royal Family for the Christmas celebrations despite an invite from King Charles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to snub the invitation to Sandringham as relations continue to sour over Harry’s new bombshell memoir, it is understood.
A source close to the King said: “They are unlikely to attend.”
One insider suggests relations are believed to be at “near rock bottom” as the Duke of Sussex prepares to spill all in his new book in the new year.
This year will be the first time Charles hosts the annual family gathering at Sandringham.
Attending will be the Prince and Princess of Wales who will stay at nearby at Anmer hall, the home given to them by the Queen.
Other members of the Royal Family are likely to join the King and Queen Consort on their walk to church on Christmas morning.
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Sandringham has been the base for the Royal Family for Christmas and New Year since 1988.
That routine though was disrupted for the last few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
