The Royal Family gathers at King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk each Christmas, continuing a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria. The 20,000-acre estate, purchased in 1862, holds significant historical value for the family. George V, former king of the UK, famously cherished Sandringham, saying, “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.” More than 160 years after it was first acquired by the royal family, the estate remains a cherished setting for the royal Christmas celebrations.
The lead-up to Christmas
The preparations for the holiday include selecting a large Christmas tree from the estate grounds, a tradition started by King Charles’ great-great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert. King Charles selects a 20-foot Norfolk spruce tree from the grounds each year. The tree is typically decorated with red, gold, and purple ornaments, along with twinkling Christmas lights. The Grand Staircase is often adorned with festive decorations, and the Waterloo Chamber is transformed into a winter wonderland.
The King also approves menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. The chef traditionally carves the turkey in front of the guests. However, one change King Charles may make concerns the temperature in the home. Prince Harry previously described Sandringham’s temperature as “balmy,” saying, “The corgis always betrayed us. The cool air would make them whimper, and Granny would say: ‘Is there a draft?’ And then a footman would promptly shut the window.”
Christmas eve traditions
Guests arrive on Christmas eve based on seniority. As Sandringham is the smallest of the royal residences, some guests may have to sleep in rooms typically reserved for staff. One quirky tradition involves guests weighing themselves upon arrival. A tradition from Edward VII involved weighing guests upon arrival and departure to ensure they were well-fed.
The family enjoys afternoon tea at 4 pm, with favorites such as square sandwiches, ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese, and Coronation Chicken. Desserts include ginger cake, honey and cream sponge, scones, and a pot of Earl Grey tea.
At 6 pm, the family exchanges small, humorous gifts, a nod to the German tradition of “Heiligabend Bescherung,” introduced by Prince Albert. Princess Diana once gave Sarah Ferguson a leopard print bath mat, while Kate, Princess of Wales, gifted a “grow your own girlfriend” kit to a bachelor Prince Harry.
Later in the evening, after the children go to bed, a formal dinner is served for the adults, with men in black tie and women in ballgowns and jewels. The meal is followed by martinis and a lavish four-course feast.
Christmas day festivities
Christmas day starts with breakfast and an 11 am church service at St Mary Magdalene Church. The royals greet the crowds as they leave the church. The family returns to Sandringham for pre-lunch drinks, including Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a traditional Christmas dinner at 1 pm. The meal includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, with Christmas pudding served with brandy butter and brandy sauce, followed by a cheese course with port. The table is decorated with white linen, candelabras, and a sprig of the Holy Thorn, a tradition that dates back before the Reformation.
The King’s speech is watched on television afterward. The family spends the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
In the evening, guests enjoy a buffet of traditional English cuisine, including boar’s head, ox tongue, and seafood, along with a table of chocolates and mints.
Boxing day traditions
Boxing Day features a hunt for the men, followed by lunch and dinner with traditional dishes. The meal typically consists of hearty fare, such as beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes and red cabbage. For dessert, there is apple pie and Christmas pudding slices fried in unsalted butter. Dinner that evening might feature venison with dauphinoise potatoes and carrots, followed by a chocolate pie made of cream, meringue, and cinnamon.
Sandringham’s history and royal tensions
Sandringham has witnessed its share of controversy over the years. Princess Diana, who was often unhappy spending Christmas at the estate, would frequently chat with the staff to avoid family members. Royal chef Darren McGrady recalled how Diana would walk around the kitchen after dinner, seeking refuge from the tight quarters of the estate, which he described as “so compact.”
In Andrew Morton’s biography, Diana was quoted describing a dramatic row with Prince Charles in 1982 when she was pregnant with Prince William. “I threw myself down the stairs,” she reportedly said. “Charles said I was crying wolf, and I said I felt so desperate, and I was crying my eyes out, and he said: ‘I’m not going to listen. You’re always doing this to me. I’m going riding now.'”
Sandringham also hosted a tense summit in January 2020 between King Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, after Harry announced he would step back from royal duties. The meeting led to a public statement from the Queen, wishing Harry and Meghan a “peaceful and happy new life.”
Happier times at Sandringham
Meghan Markle, who enjoyed her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2017, shared a fond memory with her mother. “It’s just like a big family like I always wanted,” she said during a phone call. “There was just this constant movement and energy and fun.” Prince Harry also spoke of happier times, saying, “Christmas was fantastic.”
