WILLIAM & KATE'S Royal Christmas

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW! Ⓡ WITH THE HELP OF KING CHARLES III, PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCESS KATE ARE PUTTING A FRESH SPIN ON THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

DURING her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II created countless holiday traditions adhered to by the royal family. Every year, the immediate family — married couples only, no girlfriends or boyfriends allowed! — would travel to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, where they would enjoy a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve and then attend morning mass on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, the day following Christmas, members of the royal family would head outside for horse riding and a pheasant shoot. “Christmas,” a source tells Star, “was always the queen’s favorite time of year.”

Since her passing in September 2022, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William and Princess Kate have been working hard to usher in a more modern, updated monarchy — and with that comes new ways of celebrating the holidays. “Charles and William and Kate are trying to relax the rules a little as the royals enter a less stuffy era,” says the source. Passionate environmentalist Charles, 75, for example, has been insisting gifts be sustainable and eco-friendly, while Kate and William, both 41, have put their three children on dessert duty. And unlike in years past, Camilla’s side of the family are invited — a surprise that thrilled the younger set. “The goal is to make for a relaxing environment where everyone can unwind and be themselves,” says the source.

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS