Every Christmas, the Royal Family gathers at King Charles ‘ Sandringham estate in Norfolk, continuing a custom that dates back to Queen Victoria. The 20, 000-acre land, purchased in 1862, holds important historical significance for the home. George V, former ruler of the UK, notably cherished Sandringham, saying,” Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the planet”. The house, which was first acquired by the royal family more than 160 decades ago, is still a valued location for the imperial Christmas celebrations.
The lead-up to Christmas
The preparation for the trip include selecting a huge Christmas trees from the farm grounds, a tradition started by King Charles ‘ great-great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert. Every month, King Charles chooses a 20-foot Norfolk cedar trees from the grounds. The trees is generally decorated with purple, gold, and crimson ornaments, along with twinkling Christmas lights. The Waterloo Chamber transforms into a spring paradise, and the Grand Staircase is frequently decorated with holiday decorations.
Additionally, the King approves Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Christmas Eve selections. In front of the customers, the restaurant typically carves the istanbul. However, King Charles might make one change, which is the home’s warmth. Prince Harry recently described Sandringham’s warmth as “balmy”, saying,” The corgis often betrayed us. The amazing atmosphere may make them moan, and Granny would say: ‘ Is there a draft?’ And finally a footman may unapologetically close the window.
Christmas eve customs
Visitors arrive on Christmas day based on seniority. Some visitors may have to rest in rooms usually reserved for employees because Sandringham is the smallest of the imperial dwellings. Upon arrival, customers must weigh themselves, which is a peculiar custom. A custom from Edward VII was to weigh visitors when they arrived and when they left to make sure they were well-fed.
The home enjoys afternoon tea at 4 am, with classics such as circular sandwiches, sausage and American mustard, Sage Derby butter, and Coronation Chicken. Desserts include herb bread, fruit and milk brush, muffins, and a bowl of Earl Grey tea.
At 6 am, the home markets small, playful products, a smile to the European history of” Heiligabend Bescherung”, introduced by Prince Albert. Princess Diana again gave Sarah Ferguson a leopard print shower bed, while Kate, Princess of Wales, brilliant a “grow your personal girl” set to a master Prince Harry.
After the kids go to bed, a proper dinner is served for the people later in the evening, with men wearing black link and people wearing ballgowns and diamonds. The food is followed by martinis and a beautiful four-course supper.
Christmas time holidays
St. Mary Magdalene Church holds a church services at 11 am on Christmas Day, followed by meal and a church service at 11 am. As the audiences leave the church, the royals visit them. The community returns to Sandringham for pre-lunch beverages, including Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a classic Christmas dinner at 1 p. The dinner includes turkey, onions, vegetables, sprouts, vegetables, and carrots, with Christmas pudding served with brandy butter and brandy soup, followed by a butter training 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 enjoys the remainder 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
Men go on a hunting trip on Boxing Day, followed by traditional lunch and dinner. Typically, the meal consists of hearty dishes like red cabbage and beef bourguignon. Apple pie and unsalted butter-fried Christmas pudding are served as desserts. 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
Over time, Sandringham has faced some controversy. Princess Diana frequently spoke with the staff to avoid family members during Christmas parties at the estate. After dinner, royal chef Darren McGrady recalled how Diana would wander around the kitchen looking for a break 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.'”
After Harry announced he would step down from his royal duties in January 2020, Sandringham hosted a tense summit between King Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The Queen issued a statement in the form of a “peaceful and happy new life” for Harry and Meghan following the meeting.
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.”
