King Charles was left seething during a Christmas stay at Sandringham when his request for his favorite suite was denied, according to reports.
The suite, which Charles had grown accustomed to, was instead given to his younger brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Rhys-Jones, now known as the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Royal commentator and close friend of the late Princess Diana, Richard Kaye, disclosed that Christmas in 1999 saw Sophie being given priority in terms of accommodation.
It was during this time that Charles was informed he would have to relinquish his beloved suite to his newly married brother, Edward.
At the time, Charles was divorced but not yet remarried, and it was deemed that Edward and Sophie were in greater need of the space.
This decision did not sit well with Charles, who holds a deep attachment to his creature comforts.
Mr. Kaye stated that Charles was furious, but he had to abide by the Queen’s rules during the Christmas gathering, where space is limited.
There is a practical reason behind this arrangement, as royal ladies are required to bring a variety of outfits and often change multiple times throughout the day.
Additionally, they must wear different attire each evening, while the men typically wear black tie, as previously explained by Kaye to the Express.
It is worth noting that Camilla was not initially invited to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham until 2005, when she married Charles.
A former royal courtier described that particular Christmas as one of the most relaxed celebrations staff members could recall.
Furthermore, Charles was especially pleased because he regained access to his favorite suite.
Christmas holds great significance for the royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth, who has upheld the tradition at Sandringham throughout her life.
King Charles continued this tradition last year by inviting the family back to the Norfolk estate, marking the first celebration since the passing of the late Queen.
This year, the Sandringham festivities will include Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren, who have been added to the guest list.
Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, Camilla’s children from her previous marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, will join the royal family at the Norfolk estate.
Additionally, Fergie, who divorced Prince Andrew 30 years ago, has also been welcomed back into the fold.
With the exception of Harry and Meghan, the guest list demonstrates the evolving dynamics and growing bond within the blended family in recent years, following the loss of the Queen and Prince Philip.