Young royals sweet Christmas tradition - and it dates back to Queen Victoria
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The young royals all participate in a popular Christmas tradition that we all enjoy. Using fir trees at Christmas dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria. She 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.".
At the time, the newest family member in 2015 was Princess Charlotte. 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.".
The royals also participate in another fun tradition where they open gifts in a 'free-for-all. On Christmas Eve every year, the royals gather inside Sandringham Estate's red drawing room at 6pm following afternoon tea. Choosing to do the Christmas ritual on December 24 rather than 25, the Windsors are keeping in line with their German ancestry.
