As the holiday season approaches, the British Royals are gearing up for their annual Christmas celebrations at the Sandringham Estate.

Each year, the Windsors partake in a series of unique customs that have been passed down through generations.

From lively games of charades and football to elegant black-tie dinners, the Royals spare no effort in making the festive season truly special.

One particular tradition that holds significance for the Royals is the exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve, a nod to their German heritage.

This annual ritual brings the family together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie.

However, this year’s festivities are tinged with a sense of melancholy, marking the first Christmas since the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

Amidst the somber atmosphere, there are notable absences from this year’s celebrations.

The Sussex family, including Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, will not be in attendance, further adding to the poignancy of the occasion.

The Duchess of Sussex and her husband have chosen to remain in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet, opting out of joining the rest of the Royal Family at Sandringham.

Reflecting on past Christmas gatherings, an amusing anecdote comes to light involving Prince Harry and his sister-in-law, Kate.

In a playful gesture, Kate once gifted Harry a kit for growing his own girlfriend, a lighthearted jab at his single status at the time.

The jovial moment of gift-giving, often shared with the entire family, would have undoubtedly elicited laughter, even from the late Queen herself.

Traditionally, the Royal Family begins Christmas Day with a visit to the Mary Magdalene Church, followed by warm greetings from well-wishers and a festive turkey lunch.

However, this year’s proceedings will see a notable shift with the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Their decision to stay in California comes on the heels of their revelations in a Netflix docuseries about the challenges they faced as working members of the Royal Family.

Despite the recent controversies surrounding the Sussexes, Prince Harry has always been a cherished member of the Royal Family, known for his unwavering commitment to tradition and family unity during the holiday season.

While this year’s Christmas celebrations may be different without certain familiar faces, the spirit of togetherness and joy remains at the heart of the Royal Family’s traditions.