The British Royal Family is gearing up for a different kind of Christmas this year as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare to host their families at the Sandringham Estate.
In a departure from the usual royal protocol, Queen Camilla’s extended family will be joining the senior royals in their celebrations for the first time.
Traditionally, when Queen Elizabeth II was the reigning monarch, Queen Camilla would leave the royal festivities and head to her home in Wiltshire to continue the celebrations with her own family.
However, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, King Charles has decided to bring both sides of the family together at Sandringham.
Notably absent from the guest list are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reportedly have not been invited by the King and Queen.
Despite this, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have expressed their desire to spend Christmas with the family at Sandringham, refuting the reports that they were not invited.
Royal Correspondent Michael Cole shed light on the upcoming celebrations, revealing that King Charles intends to deliver an upbeat message in his Christmas Day speech.
The focus of the speech will revolve around his conservation work and the urgent need to address climate change.
Cole emphasized that the King’s concerns about the environment and the plight of those living under oppressive regimes will likely form a significant part of his message.
Furthermore, Cole highlighted the differences between this year’s celebrations and those hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
He noted that Queen Camilla, now known as Queen Camilla instead of the Duchess of Cornwall, will have her children and grandchildren present at Sandringham House, making it a slightly crowded affair.
Prince Harry’s previous complaint about having a small bedroom during his stay at Sandringham was also mentioned, alluding to the potential tight squeeze for the house party.
In terms of the atmosphere, the celebrations are expected to be less formal compared to previous years, as Queen Elizabeth II was known for her adherence to protocol.
With King Charles taking a more relaxed approach, the festivities are anticipated to have a different vibe.
As the preparations continue at Sandringham Estate, anticipation grows for the upcoming Christmas celebrations hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The merging of both families and the King’s anticipated speech on conservation and climate change promise an interesting and eventful holiday season for the British Royal Family.