How the royal family spends Christmas: Eight festive Windsor traditions – from the Sandringham black-tie dinner to the chef’s glass of whisky

Christmas is a time when families get together to celebrate and carry out their own festive traditions – and Britain’s royal family is no exception.

The festive period is awash with age-old traditions; and those adhered to by the British royals are observed strictly each year; ranging from formal to fun conventions. 

You might imagine Christmas in royal residences to be a rather private and low-key affair, but it has proven, in parts, to be quite the opposite.

From Prince Harry and Prince William enjoying a spot of footy together on Christmas Eve, to a stately Sandringham black-tie dinner, and even the late Queen sharing a whiskey toast with the palace chef, things are known to get very merry indeed.

This year, King Charles will lead the royal family’s Christmas traditions in his second festive period on the throne. But as we wait patiently for what the monarch has in store this year, FEMAIL takes a look at some of the royal family’s most celebrated festive conventions of old…

A game of Charades

Just like households up and down the country, the royal family love a good old party game on Christmas Day.

A game of Charades can quickly light up a festive gathering (particularly after a few glasses of Bailey’s), and according to The Express, the same goes for Buckingham Palace.

After a busy day of greetings, celebrations, and a delectable Christmas feast, the late Queen loved to buckle down and indulge her loved ones in the renowned guessing game.

It has been noted as one of her favourite festive pastimes to enjoy with her family and; although Her late Majesty is no longer with us, it’s likely the royals will carry on the tradition in her memory. 

Gift-giving on Christmas Eve 

Another festive act enjoyed by the most famous family in Britain is the custom of gift giving.

You may be surprised to know that the royals view gift giving as a ‘light hearted affair’ and would typically shy away from bequeathing anything too exorbitant.

According to a former employee of the Royal Household, Alexandra Messervy, the royals are quite reserved when it comes to this tradition.

‘There’s always the idea to give something useful or fun. They certainly would never have extravagant gifts,’ she added.

In a tradition that will differ from how many families observe Christmas, the royal family are known to exchange their gifts on December 24.

According to the royal family’s website, members of The Firm lay their gifts out on a tressle table on Christmas Eve, and open them around teatime.

A royal football match 

Prince Harry and Prince William are known to have got stuck in with a merry game of football at the annual Sandringham Christmas football match in years past.

The traditional Christmas Eve fixture once saw the brothers hash it out on opposing teams while surrounded by various members of the royal family.

In one football game in 2013, the brothers went head to head during a match on the Norfolk estate, with things becoming so heated Harry lunged in for a tackle at the future king.

By the end of the game, the brothers drew 2-2 and a sprinkle of festive cheer brought them back in for a brotherly hug.

Sadly, this is a tradition unlikely to be repeated any time soon amid a deepening rift between the royal brothers, with author Omid Scobie claiming in Endgame, published this week, that there’s ‘no way back’ for William and Harry.  

Black tie dinner 

One tradition that sets the royal family apart from the rest of us is their stately annual dinner. 

And while it’s true that many observe a similar custom at home, dressing in all our finery to sit down at the table, the royals take their festive dress code one step further (meaning no slippers allowed underneath your jazzy frock). 

The grand black-tie dinner usually takes place on Christmas Eve at their country residence in Sandringham, Norfolk, where the royals travel for the festive period.   

The who’s who of the famous family are expected to descend upon the sprawling estate to dine with King Charles, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and his niece Zara Philips and her husband Mike Tindall. 

The grown-up affair kicks off in the evening with pre-dinner martinis – so no kids allowed. Meanwhile, guests are expected to show out in their Sunday best, with the women donning glamorous ballgowns and wearing tiaras and jewels. 

The main event is an upscale four-course feast, including a starter followed by a beef course and a helping of cheese.

Dessert often onvolves chocolate, which was the late Queen’s favourite. But with King Charles presiding over matters this year, there could be a new festive sweet on the horizon.

A busy Christmas Day 

The big day kicks off with the monarch dining on a personal breakfast, before the whole family gets together to head over to St Mary Magdalene Church for the 11am service.

After that, the royal family’s Christmas Day looks a lot like other families’ December 25 – filled with food at every turn.

The royals will dine on delicacies such as ox tongue and stuffed boar’s head; but the classic Christmas dinner is also observed as the royals eat roast turkey with all the trimmings. 

Later on there’s much fun to be had during the unboxing of a royal Fortnum and Mason Christmas hamper containing organic jams, chutneys and other tasty treats.

After lunch and a spot of more fun, it’s time for the family to watch the monarch’s Christmas message on television, followed by a supper of roasted hams and boar’s head.

Ending the day is a Christmas boogy as the palace’s staff will meet for an evening of disco and drinks for the rest of the night. 

A toast to the chef

During the late Queen’s reign, she oversaw a unique custom that paid tribute to the person who put together the royal family’s festive feast. 

Following Christmas lunch and ahead of the buffet, the senior chef is called into Sandringham’s dining room to carve a rib roast, turkey or ham. 

According to Tatler, former Royal Chef Darren McGrady said this is the only time the duty chef can go into the dining room – but they would receive a special nod for doing so. 

Her late majesty would present the chef with a special glass of whiskey before including him in a toast with the rest of the royal family, a most enjoyable tradition for the chef.

Although it’s a tradition that was cherished by Her late Majesty, it is likely King Charles will continue the toast now he is on the throne. 

Christmas cards

Most people enjoy sending Christmas cards to their loved ones, but it can be difficult to keep up with the correspondence.  

For the royal family, it may be even more difficult to stay on track with Christmas cards – as the late Queen and Prince Philip were known to send approximately 750 cards every single year.

The card, which was specially signed with the names ‘Elizabeth R’ and ‘Philip’ also featured a glowing family photo.

The late Duke of Edinburgh would also send out a further 200 to various establishments and organisations of his choosing.

Donating to charity

Throughout the year members of the royal family are known to donate to various charities, while some spearhead organisations in their own name.

For Christmas, this tradition is ramped up, with donations ranging from Christmas cards, to trees and even money.

According to the royal family’s official website, the palace’s custom regularly includes donating money to several charities in Windsor over the festive period.

Meanwhile the late Queen herself would donate Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as schools and other Churches in the Sandringham area.