Prince William is reportedly planning to scrap a long-standing Christmas tradition at Sandringham when he becomes king. The tradition involves senior royals receiving cheap, joke gifts before junior members, based on family hierarchy. Sources suggest the future king finds the practice outdated and intends to remove the hierarchical element.
The gift exchange, where presents worth around £5 are handed out by the monarch from a table, has been a staple of the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations. However, William is said to prefer more informal gatherings, such as those he hosts with Kate and their children at Anmer Hall. A source told the Daily Mail that while the idea of the gifts may remain, the seniority-based order is likely to go.
The source added: “While William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to. You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas.”
Other formal traditions at Sandringham include a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve, where seating is also based on hierarchy. The source noted that King Charles continues these customs for nostalgia and to remember the late Queen, but William has reportedly quipped he would not continue them.
This year, Prince Andrew will not attend the Sandringham celebrations, following King Charles's removal of his titles and privileges. Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are set to leave Royal Lodge after Christmas, with Andrew moving to a property on the Sandringham estate.
