The Royal Family's Christmas has barely changed in the past 100 years - they all cherish tradition and see no reason why things should change with the times. As BRIAN HOEY explains, nothing is left to the last minute...
Share:
It all starts weeks before Christmas when King Charles and Queen Camilla send out around 850 Christmas cards to Heads of State, Commonwealth leaders, prominent politicians and friends and family. However, they do not sit down and sign them together. King Charles signs his separately and then they are passed to Camilla for her to add her signature. They also send personal cards to a number of friends and organisations with which each is associated.
![[His Majesty gives out some 1,450 Christmas Puddings to staff and former members. And also to those police officers manning the gates at Buckingham Palace]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/14/92458003-14123251-image-a-1_1732544183117.jpg)
Recipients can tell their standing with The King and Queen by the way in which their cards are signed. Cousins like the Kents and Gloucesters have a personal name added, while leading political figures such as the Prime Minister and Speaker of the House of Commons get a formal Charles R or Camilla R.
![[Four generations of the Royal family seen here mixing Christmas pudding for the armed forces veterans in 2019]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/12/12/92457989-14123251-Four_generations_of_the_Royal_family_seen_here_mixing_Christmas_-a-34_1734007078580.jpg)
Many of the 'hangers-on' don't even get a signature, just a name stamped on. The King's Speech is recorded in December, just weeks before Christmas. They like to leave it to the last moment in case there is any special news. The Princess of Wales's carol concert has become a permanent fixture in the Royal calendar, with nearly all members of the family attending. This year will be very special and will focus on 'how much we need others in difficult times'.
![[The Princess of Wales's carol concert has become a permanent fixture in the Royal calendar with nearly all members of the family attending. This year will be very special and will focus on 'how much we need others in difficult times']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/14/92458009-14123251-image-a-10_1732544370530.jpg)
His Majesty gives out some 1,450 Christmas Puddings to staff and former members, and also to the police officers manning the gates at Buckingham Palace. The Christmas Day speech is filmed a few weeks before as they like to leave it to the last moment in case there is any special news.
![[Those friends and family who have been invited to join the Royal Family at Sandringham for the festivities, are told when they should arrive – and in what order with the most junior ordered to turn up first, followed by those in strict order of succession to the Throne]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/16/92462095-14123251-image-a-1_1732551222202.jpg)
