NO POMP, NO CEREMONY The royals abandon Christmas

THE FAMILY IS DOING THINGS VERY DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR

- Judy Kean

The royal family are known for being sticklers for tradition and Christmas is no exception. They’ve done the same thing every year for decades now, including adhering to a rigid timetable when everyone gathers at Sandringham for the festive celebrations.

But this year it looks like their plans may be scuppered due to the pandemic. When it comes to COVID, even the royals have to do as they are told.

While Britain’s “Rule of Six” – which limits gatherings to a maximum of six people – has been eased to allow three home Christmas bubbles, the Queen’s gathering will be much smaller than previous years.

Her grandson Prince William, 38, his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, 38, and their children, Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two, will be at their neighboring country home, Anmer Hall. But, given the need to protect their grandparents, it is unlikely they will visit the Queen, 94, and Prince Philip, 99.

Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty magazine, doubts the wider royal family will spend time together. “I think everybody is just going to end up in their own homes.”