Christmas With The Royals

We take a look at the Queen and her family’s festive holiday traditions

- Rebecca Calderwood

CHRISTMAS EVE

With the Queen and Prince Philip already at Sandringham, having arrived the day before, the rest of the family now join them. Although close relatives are welcome to stay, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stay in their nearby home, Anmer Hall. Everyone has an arrival time based on their seniority. William and Kate, for instance, have to wait until Prince Charles has arrived.

The family then gather for afternoon tea which includes, according to former royal chef Darren McGrady, a spread of jam pennies – mini sandwiches cut into circles. Meanwhile, the children add the final decorations to the tree in the White Drawing Room.