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Christmas is a time for traditions, and the British Royal Family embraces the holiday season with a unique set of customs. One of the most cherished traditions is the annual walk from Sandringham House in Norfolk to St. Mary Magdalene Church for Christmas morning service. Before the service, the family gathers for a gift exchange, opting for humorous and inexpensive presents.
After the church service, a traditional Christmas feast with turkey is enjoyed, followed by a friendly game of soccer. The family then gathers to watch the monarch’s televised Christmas speech, a tradition that unites the nation. Prince William highlighted the importance of these gatherings in a 2021 interview, emphasizing the joy of seeing his children connect with their cousins during these rare moments together.
Royal Christmas Through the Years: A Photo Journey
From Princess Diana’s playful interactions with Santa Claus to King Charles III leading his first Christmas walk as monarch, the Royal Family’s holiday celebrations have been captured in numerous photographs over the years. These images offer a glimpse into the family’s private moments and their enduring commitment to cherished traditions.
Early Christmas Memories: 1969-1990
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In 1969, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were photographed decorating a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, a scene from the documentary “The Royal Family.” A few years later, in 1987, a heartwarming image captured Princess Diana sharing a laugh with Santa Claus during a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital. The same year, a young Prince Harry charmed the nation dressed as an elf for his school’s nativity play.
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In 1988, Prince Harry embraced the role of a shepherd in his school’s nativity play. By 1990, both Prince Harry and Prince William were photographed enjoying a visit with Santa Claus at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships.
Christmas in the New Millennium: 2001-2016
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The new millennium brought new traditions and heartwarming moments. In 2001, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were seen enjoying a performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Fast forward to 2012, and Prince Harry was photographed wearing a Santa hat in Afghanistan, where he served as an Apache helicopter pilot. The same year, Queen Elizabeth was captured recording her Christmas message to the Commonwealth.
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In 2014, Kate Middleton was seen wrapping Christmas presents during a visit to the Northside Center for Child Development in New York City. By 2016, Prince William was photographed decorating a gingerbread house, while Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their Christmas debut at the church service in Sandringham.
Recent Royal Christmas Celebrations: 2017-2023
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In 2017, Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family for her first Christmas, marking a significant moment in royal history. 2019 saw Prince George and Princess Charlotte participate in the Sandringham church outing. In 2021, Kate Middleton surprised the nation with her piano performance at Westminster Abbey’s Christmas carol concert.
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2022 marked King Charles III’s first Christmas walk as monarch, reviving the tradition after a pause due to the pandemic. In 2023, Princess Beatrice’s stepson, Christopher Woolf, joined the family’s holiday walk for the first time. These recent events demonstrate the Royal Family’s ongoing commitment to upholding cherished traditions while embracing new members and creating new memories.
