The King's Christmas

As the world prepares for its first Christmas in over 7O years without Queen Elizabeth II, let’s look at what the festive period and beyond might have in store for our new King...

A King’s First Christmas

As well as her sixty-nine Christmas Day broadcasts that were a staple of many people's yuletide traditions, many of us have become familiar with the images of the Queen's family, dressed in their Sunday best, going to and from her annual Christmas lunch at Sandringham. We're also used to seeing the Queen and her family attend the morning service at St Mary Magdalene, a tradition started by the Queen's great-great grandmother.

Royal spectators will expect King Charles III to maintain these traditions to offer a steady hand while the Royal Family and country spend their first Christmas without their queen.

The annual lunch is likely to be pared down due to not only his mother's absence but what many assume will the absence of Harry and Meghan too. While the King will still be finding his feet, he may find some comfort in doing the smaller festive tasks the queen considered so important. For example, she and Prince Philip used to send 750 Christmas cards to members of The Royal Household, friends and family.

She also gifted 1,500 Christmas puddings to Palace staff, with a small cards of thanks. No doubt the King has seen how these small touches were received and will be keen to continue these festive traditions as he spends his first Christmas as monarch.

His Changing Family