Every year, the royal family gathers to celebrate Christmas, with the monarch’s heartfelt message serving as the highlight of their festive traditions.

While many of these customs are steeped in history, much of the celebration occurs behind closed doors.

This year, however, King Charles seems to be embracing a more modern approach to the holiday at Sandringham Castle, especially following recent revelations from Prince William and Princess Catherine about their own plans.

As the royal family prepares for the festive season, it’s worth noting that many of their traditions date back centuries, some might even say they’re a bit quirky.

Yet, there’s one custom that Princess Catherine is reportedly eager to change, breaking nearly 200 years of tradition.

It’s a testament to how the younger generation is looking to refresh royal customs to better reflect their values and lifestyles.

Current plans for the royal family’s Christmas festivities remain uncertain, largely dependent on King Charles’ health.

As we know, the family is keeping a close eye on his well-being over the coming months before finalizing any arrangements.

Just last Saturday, during an event at the Royal Albert Hall, the king attended solo, as Queen Camilla had to withdraw due to a chest infection.

Thankfully, Princess Anne was there to offer her support, keeping a watchful eye on her brother, who appeared somewhat frail throughout the ceremony.

This display of sibling solidarity comes in light of Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, which has taken many by surprise, especially considering his parents lived into their 90s.

Despite the challenges, there’s optimism for the royal family as they look ahead to the new year.

A palace official has indicated that King Charles will be resuming travel, with plans for 2025 already in the works, pending medical approval.

At Sandringham this year, the atmosphere is expected to be more casual and down-to-earth, particularly at Amner Hall.

It’s likely that the family will exchange thoughtful gifts, moving away from some of the more traditional practices.

A close friend of William and Catherine shared that Princess Catherine has always found the tradition of exchanging presents on Christmas Eve to be rather peculiar, hinting at a desire to shake things up once they take the reins.

After a challenging year, Princess Catherine looks forward to spending the holiday with her loved ones, including her parents, Michael and Carol Middleton, as well as her siblings, James and Pippa, along with their families.

William is reportedly excited about adopting his wife’s vision of a more relatable Christmas, which may include less formal gatherings and more personal touches.

While the royal family may opt for a quieter Christmas this year, one tradition remains steadfast: their annual walk to church.

On Christmas morning, royals from King Charles to Queen Camilla, along with other family members like Princess Eugenie and Zara Tyndale, will make the short journey from Sandringham House to St. Mary Magdalene Church.

This beloved tradition sees crowds gather along the route, eagerly awaiting the chance to greet the royals and share in the festive spirit.

Though the royal family’s private Christmas celebrations may be subdued, fans can still expect to see them attending church together, as it’s a long-standing custom.

The Wales family, alongside the King and Queen, will likely be on full display, maintaining their connection with the public during this special time of year.

However, it’s important to note that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not anticipated to join the royal festivities.

Their relationship with the rest of the family has been strained for some time, leading them to spend the holiday at Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana.

As the royal family navigates this evolving landscape of traditions, it’s clear that they’re balancing the weight of history with the desire for a more contemporary celebration.

The coming days will reveal how these changes manifest, but one thing is certain: Christmas in the royal household will always be a blend of cherished customs and new beginnings.