In 1761, Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Streilitz became wife to King George III.
She brought German traditions and interests to the English court, including music, botany, and, presumably, ruthless efficiency.
In 1800, she held a large Christmas party for the children of all the principal families in Windsor, deciding that instead of the customary yew bough, she would put up an entire tree, cover it with baubles and fruit, and stand it in the middle of the drawing-room floor at Queen’s Lodge.
One of the men in attendance, Dr John Watkins, wrote of the occasion: “Here, among other amusing objects for the gratification of the juvenile visitors, in the middle of the room stood an immense tub with a yew tree placed in it, from the branches of which hung bunches of sweetmeats, almonds and raisins in papers, fruits and toys most tastefully arranged and the whole illuminated by small wax candles.”
It was a roaring success, and the queen would continue to stand up trees at royal residences. The tradition carried on after her death.
By 1840, the popularity of and fascination with the now-Queen Victoria and her husband led to fans copying the details of their lives.
When Albert ordered fir trees from his native Germany be delivered to the court as Christmas trees, the English public began to mimic the practice, placing trees in their own homes.
And we still do.