Royal Family's selfless festive gesture in the run-up to Christmas
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The tradition of using fir trees around Christmas dates back to Queen Charlotte - and the royal family has carried that on. However, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised using these trees and traditionally three were brought to the Marble Hall in Buckingham Palace each year. It is also said the royal children all play a role in decorating one of the trees. The late Queen referred to the children helping with decorating the trees in her 2015 Christmas speech.
She said: "One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree. And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun! The customary decorations have changed little in the years since that picture of Victoria and Albert's tree first appeared, although, of course, electric lights have replaced the candles.".
As well as decorating their homes with their own trees, the royal family also gives Christmas trees each year to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Giles' Cathedral and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, the royal family website reads. Furthermore, churches and schools in the Sandringham area will also receive a tree from Her Majesty.
Earlier this month, Princess Charlotte and her brother Prince George took part in the festive tradition at Windsor Great Park. They picked out a tree to decorate and keep in their home at Adelaide Cottage. A royal source told HELLO! : "It's no surprise that Prince William and his family picked their tree from Windsor Great Park. The late Queen always sourced Windsor Castle's Christmas trees there, and King Charles did so last year, too. He is keeping with the family tradition.".
