Tis the night before Christmas, and all through the palace…

Kate is at Sandringham this evening celebrating with the Royal Family. The entire royal family is expected to be at the event. Last year, Catherine was voilently ill with hypermesis gravidarum and could not attend the annual event. However, it is something of a royal requirement to be at Sandringham. Everyone from Her Majesty to royals you haven’t heard of are in attendance.

Everyone arrives in a particular order and they are expected to be prompt. The guests spend some time settling in and unpacking all their many outfit changes. By 4PM, the royals gather in the White Drawing Room for tea and to finish decorating the Christmas tree. Then, everyone opens their gift. Exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve is an old German tradition, still enjoyed by the modern royals.

Once all the gifts are opened, drinks are served in the hall. Guests then return to their rooms to dress for dinner, where evening gowns are required. The candlelit, three-course Christmas feast is served promptly at 8:15. Around 10PM, women retire to a different room for coffee, while men are offered liqueurs. Everyone mingles until Her Majesty retires around midnight.

It might be a long day, but the tradition adds to the glamour of the royal family! We wish we could see all those gowns, jewels, and culinary delights. We wish the Royal Family a very happy Christmas and a wonderful, prosperous new year.

Happy Christmas to you and your families!