No one understands the comfort of Christmas traditions better than the Queen. No matter who’s in the Royal bubble around the linen-clad table, you can bet your last dollop of brandy butter that the time-honoured festivities won’t alter one jot.
The Queen starts signing her cards in September (she has 750 to send) and by Christmas Eve, all the plans are in place. So what’s it like to be a guest of the regal household? Here, we share an exclusive peek at Her Majesty’s diary…
24 December
For 32 years, the Royals have celebrated at Sandringham House in Norfolk. Everyone invited is given a specific time to arrive, according to status. The later your slot, the more important you are.
Afternoon The children help put the final decorations on the trees, one a 20ft spruce, the other an artificial silver. Their nannies keep a watchful eye because in pride of place are glass angels that once belonged to Queen Victoria.
A game of football takes place between family and staff. One year, Team William wore Aston Villa socks, while Team Harry wore Arsenal.
Teatime In keeping with their German heritage, the family exchange presents early. Staff are included, provided they’ve done at least a year’s service, and line up in order of seniority to receive a voucher and Christmas pudding. Sandwiches, scones and cakes are on offer.
Denne historien er fra November 24, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 24, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing