Meanwhile, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are expected to join the king and queen at Sandringham. Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and their children, and Princess Anne and her family, are all also expected to attend.
“Sandringham is smaller than the other palaces and so it’s always a bit of a squash but it’s always fun and very Christmassy, and very family focused,” adds Seward.
“The king loves bringing everyone together and it’s a proper family Christmas. There’s a fair bit of juggling involved, particularly for the Wales family. I expect William, Kate and the children will be at Sandringham for the Christmas Day service alongside Charles because that’s an important show of togetherness. In previous years, they have gone back to Anmer after church on Christmas Day for lunch with Kate’s family so they get two Christmases.”
While the traditional Christmas Day walkabout after church sees the royals greeting members of the public in their finest (hats are a must), Charles has relaxed the dress code at Sandringham over the festive period, according to one royal insider.
“It used to be a nightmare going to Sandringham because there used to be so many outfit changes, sometimes up to six a day. But the king has relaxed that. There won’t be so many changes but everyone will wear black tie at Christmas dinner,” says the source.
In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the royal family’s Christmas dinner – turkey with all the trimmings – will take place on Christmas Eve. Presents will be laid out on trestle tables, with the Christmas table decked out with festive favors, like Christmas crackers.