KEEPING UP WITH The Windsors

From saving a mince pie for Santa to hanging stockings, we all have our Christmas traditions. And, just like the rest of us, the Royal Family take them very seriously

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While most of the country are either slumped in front of the telly watching a rerun of The Snowman or enjoying one too many mulled wines at the local pub, the Windsors participate in a much more civilised gathering on Christmas Eve.

Under the twinkling lights of a huge Christmas tree, the family honour their German heritage by sitting down for an afternoon tea before they exchange gifts.

In the evening, there’s not an ugly jumper in sight, as the adults don fancy frocks and Windsor coats for a black-tie dinner, while the children snuggle up in the royal nursery and await the arrival of the big man himself, Father Christmas.

Sandringham Estate