In a surprising turn of events, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is reportedly eager to shake up long-standing royal Christmas customs.
Many of these traditions, some dating back centuries, have recently been labeled as “weird” by the princess herself.
As she prepares for her potential future role as Queen Consort, Catherine appears determined to infuse a more contemporary spirit into the festive celebrations.
Catherine has quickly become one of the most beloved figures within the royal family, currently ranking just behind the late Queen Elizabeth II in popularity according to the latest YouGov poll.
Each year, the royal family gathers to commemorate the holiday season, with the monarch’s Christmas message taking center stage.
On Christmas Day, they also partake in a public walk to church, offering a chance to connect with the public.
However, the majority of their Christmas festivities unfold away from prying eyes.
Among the customs that Catherine finds peculiar is the royal tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day.
This practice, rooted in the family’s German heritage, was first established during Queen Victoria’s reign and has persisted through the years, upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who preferred to keep Christmas Day focused on its religious significance.
Catherine’s desire to shift gift-giving to Christmas Day reflects her aim to present a more relatable image to the British public.
This change aligns with the broader strategy of modernizing the monarchy, moving away from certain eccentricities that may not resonate with contemporary society.
Reports suggest that William and Catherine plan to save their presents, along with those for their children, for the big day itself.
An anonymous source close to the couple shared that Catherine has always found the Christmas Eve gift exchange odd.
It’s likely that once they take the reins of the monarchy, this tradition will be replaced with a more conventional celebration, complete with proper presents for each other and their kids on Christmas Day.
Adding to the festive spirit, Catherine is set to host a heartfelt Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6th.
Kensington Palace has confirmed that she has invited a special group of guests, including child survivors of the tragic Southport stabbing incident that left the community in shock earlier this year.
In preparation for the concert, both Catherine and William have engaged closely with the families affected by the attack, as well as first responders and the dance teacher who suffered critical injuries.
Their involvement underscores a commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time.
While Catherine seeks to introduce changes, it’s important to note that some royal traditions will remain intact.
For instance, the traditional Pheasant and Partridge shooting party is set to continue on Boxing Day, with King Charles expected to make only a brief appearance.
Instead, William is likely to take the lead in this age-old practice.
The customary family walk to church on Christmas Day will also persist, ensuring that some cherished royal rituals endure despite the evolving landscape of the monarchy.
After overcoming health issues earlier this year, Catherine and William may opt out of the Sandringham Christmas lunch with King Charles, instead choosing to celebrate privately at their home in Amner Hall with Catherine’s parents.
Due to the anticipated larger gathering, reports indicate that Christmas dinner will be served in the White Drawing Room, a departure from the dining room where the late queen hosted festive meals.
As King Charles embraces the changes that come with his new role, he remains committed to honoring the traditions cherished by his mother.
As the royal family prepares for the Christmas season, they will still attend church together on Christmas morning and greet members of the public afterward.
Interestingly, King Charles plans to stay in Norfolk for New Year’s Eve, breaking from the usual tradition of ringing in the New Year in Scotland.
Instead, he will extend his stay in Norfolk and head to the Highlands later in January, signaling a blend of new practices and time-honored customs.