This year, Christmas at Sandringham is shaping up to be quite different for the royal family as they navigate King Charles’ ongoing battle with cancer.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly shifting their focus to their own holiday plans at Amner Hall in Norfolk, leaving behind some of the usual royal festivities.

Sources close to the family suggest that this change may be influenced by a specific family member who reportedly causes Prince William some discomfort.

Since their wedding, the Waleses have maintained a tradition of spending Christmas Day with the royal family but will also carve out time for a second celebration at Amner Hall with the Middleton clan.

In years past, Camilla, the Queen Consort, would leave Sandringham after the Christmas dinner to host her own gathering at Raymill, her home in Wiltshire.

This year, however, she’s breaking from tradition by inviting her children, Tom Parker-Bowles and Laura Lopes, along with their families, to join the royal festivities.

This invitation could significantly affect how much time William decides to spend at Sandringham, especially considering his complicated feelings towards Camilla’s son.

While William has come to terms with his father’s marriage to Camilla, it appears he still harbors some reservations about her son’s lifestyle choices.

In light of this, there are whispers that William might skip the traditional Christmas celebrations altogether if certain guests are present.

Instead, he and Catherine seem inclined to embrace a more down-to-earth Christmas experience, prioritizing time with their children and Catherine’s parents.

A communications expert who has worked with the couple pointed out that they have successfully cultivated a brand centered around normalcy.

However, the extravagant royal customs during the holidays threaten to undermine that image.

Given that Christmas is one of the few times the public pays close attention to the royals, the fear is that tales of elitist traditions could overshadow their efforts to connect with everyday people.

Despite these shifts, some traditions remain steadfast.

The notorious royal practice of hosting a pheasant and partridge shooting party will continue as usual, although King Charles is expected to make only a brief appearance.

Instead, the responsibility of leading the shoot will fall to William, marking a subtle passing of the torch.

The traditional family walk to church on Christmas morning is also set to proceed, even amidst the backdrop of hunting.

However, the next generation of royals seems intent on rebranding Christmas, transforming it from a solemn, duty-bound occasion into a celebration that resonates more with contemporary festive experiences.

One insider mentioned that this year’s messaging from the Prince and Princess of Wales will lean heavily towards a middle-class vibe, focusing on indulgent treats, cozy movie marathons, and the quintessential post-feast lethargy that many families experience.

Another royal custom under scrutiny is the tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve, a practice introduced by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Catherine is keen to shift this to Christmas Day, aligning more closely with typical British customs.

This change reflects a desire to move away from the ostentatious displays of consumerism that were often associated with the late Queen Elizabeth’s approach to the holiday.

Reports indicate that due to the increased number of guests this year, Christmas dinner will take place in the white drawing room rather than the dining room, where the late queen traditionally hosted.

While King Charles is eager to introduce changes as the new monarch, he is also committed to preserving elements of his mother’s legacy.

On Christmas morning, the entire royal family is expected to attend church and greet members of the public afterward.

Notably, Charles, who is overseeing extensive renovations of Sandringham’s gardens, will remain in Norfolk for New Year’s Eve this year.

Typically, he would celebrate the New Year in Scotland, but sources reveal he plans to extend his stay in Norfolk before heading to the Highlands later in January.