Prince William is poised to abandon a long-standing and formal royal Christmas tradition centred on family hierarchy when he ascends to the throne, according to insider reports.
The £5 Gift Exchange Under Scrutiny
The tradition in question involves the Royal Family exchanging inexpensive, often humorous gifts worth around £5 during their annual Christmas gathering at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The ceremony is defined by its strict order: the King, or previously the late Queen, distributes the presents from a trestle table based on each member's seniority within the family. More junior royals are required to wait their turn.
Sources indicate that the Prince of Wales has never been fond of this "antiquated" practice. It is reported he plans to either significantly shake up the event or scrap it entirely when he eventually hosts his first Christmas as sovereign.
A Preference for Informal Family Gatherings
This potential change aligns with William and Catherine's apparent preference for a more laid-back Christmas. In recent years, they have often opted for informal celebrations at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, with the Middleton family and their children.
The contrast with the traditional Sandringham festivities is stark. The royal Christmas schedule is packed with formalities, including a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve where seating is also arranged by hierarchy. A source suggested that while William understands his father, King Charles, continues the traditions for nostalgia and to remember Queen Elizabeth II, it is "just not William's way of doing things at home."
Broader Changes on the Horizon
The gift tradition is likely just one of several formalities William may reconsider. The source noted that "William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table," but signalled this would be among the first alterations.
This year's Sandringham Christmas will already see a notable absence. Following King Charles's removal of his brother's royal titles and privileges, Prince Andrew will not be in attendance. Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are set to be moved out of their Royal Lodge home after the festive period, ensuring they spend one last Christmas there but away from the main royal celebrations.
The anticipated shift away from hierarchical rituals points towards a more modern, relaxed monarchy under the future King William, reflecting the personal family values he and the Princess of Wales have cultivated.
