The Royal Family is set to celebrate the New Year separately this year in light of the death of their beloved linchpin, Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III has invited his family to spend the festive period at Sandringham, the Queen’s cherished estate in Norfolk, as a tribute to his late mother.
Traditionally, the annual gathering at Sandringham includes exchanging humorous gifts, attending a Christmas morning church service, and indulging in a festive feast.
Queen Elizabeth would typically stay at Sandringham until February 6, the anniversary of her father’s death and her accession to the throne, and would ring in the New Year at the country home.
In previous years, the Queen would invite family members, including those who couldn’t join her for Christmas, to celebrate the New Year together.
She would attend the New Year’s Eve service at her local church and host a small celebration, staying up until midnight to properly welcome the New Year.
One of the Queen’s New Year’s Eve traditions was playing a game of Lucky Dip, where a footman would bring in a tub filled with hidden notes containing written predictions for the coming year.
On New Year’s Day, she would attend a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham and enjoy horse riding with the family.
King Charles is expected to continue his mother’s tradition of attending church services at St. Mary Magdalene on New Year’s Eve.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the declining health of the Queen and Prince Philip, this custom had been disrupted in recent years.
However, it is hoped that King Charles will restore the tradition this year and may be joined by friends and family members who couldn’t make it to Sandringham for Christmas.
After New Year’s Eve, King Charles will break one of his mother’s longest-standing traditions by heading to Scotland.
He will spend several weeks at Birkhall, his Aberdeenshire estate, with Queen Camilla.
During his time in Scotland, he will work on his red boxes and handle state affairs, just as the late Queen did.
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, are expected to spend New Year’s Eve in Berkshire with Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
The Middletons are known for hosting lively New Year’s Eve parties, and it is common for the Duke and Duchess to split the holiday between their two families.
Prince William enjoys the informality of staying with the Middletons and cherishes the opportunity to relax in a normal family environment.
With the absence of Queen Elizabeth II to hold the family together, former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond suggests that the younger royals may choose to spend time with their own families during the New Year’s celebrations.
The multi-day festivities of the past may become a thing of the past.
As for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they are expected to spend New Year’s Eve in California, where they have resided for the past few years.
While their plans remain undisclosed, they have previously celebrated the holiday in style, such as partying on the French Riviera with friends.
In 2019, they celebrated in Canada with Meghan’s mother, Doria, and in 2018, they spent a quiet New Year’s Eve at Sandringham while Meghan was pregnant with their first child.
In conclusion, the Royal Family will be celebrating the New Year separately this year, each following their own traditions and spending time with their respective families.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly brought changes to their usual festivities.
As we eagerly await the New Year, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape future celebrations.