This beloved tradition, led by Princess Catherine, aims to unite the nation in a celebration of kindness, community and generosity. The festive season is particularly significant for the British royal family, especially with their Christmas gatherings at Sandringham Estate. While Christmas may be a little different under King Charles, it won't be a completely new experience. In the past, Queen Camilla has often stepped out after Christmas lunch to enjoy drinks with her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles, and daughter, Laura Lopes.
However, last year, King Charles welcomed his extended family. Interestingly, this arrangement has caused some tension for Prince William, as the Welsh family usually skips the Christmas Day lunch at Sandringham, preferring a more low-key affair at Amner Hall. They may consider attending this year if Queen Camilla invites Tom Parker Bowles again. For those who don't know, Tom Parker Bowles has been a regular at royal events since his mother married King Charles, something that seems to have made Prince William uncomfortable.
Despite accepting his father's choice, William still feels uncomfortable around Camilla's son due to his lifestyle preferences. Royal correspondent Tom Sykes notes that the Welsh family usually skips the Christmas lunch at Sandringham in favor of a private celebration. However, this year, Prince William is said to be nervous about socializing with Tom Parker Bowles. In a departure from royal tradition, insiders have suggested that William and Catherine could host a quieter, more intimate Christmas gathering with their children and close friends.
Experts predict that any changes King Charles makes will be subtle. He is unlikely to dramatically alter traditions but could relax some of the rules set by the late Prince Philip. It is possible that some long-standing topics, such as table politics, could become more flexible. This year's festivities could look different for the royal family, with King Charles' health and care leading to a quieter Christmas than last year.
Meanwhile, the Welsh family are said to be planning a rival Christmas party at Amner Hall. They may also ditch the tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve, knowing that it would seem unusual to the public. As things develop, it's uncertain how quiet the celebration will be, and people may soon find out their invitations. For now, it's still a wait-and-see scenario.