A VERY ROYAL CHRISTMAS

It's an event that takes five months of preparations and is planned like a military operation, but how exactly do the Windsors celebrate?

- ARIANA LONGSON

Sandringham Estate

Every year since 1988, other than when COVID restrictions prohibited it, the Royal Family has decamped to the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to celebrate the festive period. With thousands of fairy lights and baubles dating back to Queen Victoria's day, the country retreat is decorated ready for a royal knees-up.

'Twas the night before Christmas

The family honours its German heritage by sitting down for an afternoon tea before exchanging gifts. In the evening, the adults change into fancy frocks and Windsor coats for a black-tie dinner.

Gifts galore