The Royal Family celebrates Christmas much like everyone else, only with their own unique twist.
According to Town & Country, the royals typically eat meals together, attend church services, and enjoy other familiar holiday activities. These moments give the family a chance to come together in a more relaxed setting, at their Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England.
Christmas Eve is when the family gathers to exchange gifts, following the German tradition of opening presents the evening before the holiday. Adults typically hand out items with a funny twist.
For example, The Mirror reported some of the more memorable gag gifts exchanged by the royal family include a shower cap from Prince Harry to Queen Elizabeth with the words “Ain’t life a b****” written across it. There was also a “grow your own girlfriend” kit gifted to Harry by Kate Middleton ahead of his marriage to Meghan Markle.
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Royal Chef Darren McGrady revealed that Christmas Day is filled with lots of food and fun. However, for the first meal of Christmas Day, he told PEOPLE Magazine in 2013 that the men typically ate separately from the women.
McGrady said that men’s breakfast consisted of bacon, sausage, kippers, kidneys, juices, and cereal. On the other hand, the women in the family ate a lighter breakfast, including fruit and eggs, in their rooms.
Following their morning meal, the royal family attends church services together. Yearly, they participate in the 11 a.m. Christmas Day mass at St. Mary Magdalene.
After mass, there’s a hearty lunch, including a turkey and foie gras, boar’s head, venison, and salmon trout, McGrady revealed. Additionally, there are vegetables and roasted chestnuts to enjoy.
When the royals finish their meal, the men and women are said to separate again for several hours, after watching the monarch’s Christmas message on television. The day ends with a cold buffet, said McGrady, with leftovers from the afternoon meal and fresh vegetables served.
The Christmas festivities continue the next day, December 26, Boxing Day in England. Per Britannica, the day is defined as when “servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts.” Today, it is celebrated much like Black Friday in the United States with lots of shopping and sales.
Family members who remain at Sandringham participate in a morning of shooting. Then there is another big meal later in the day.
The Royal Family’s Christmas Day looks a lot like everyone else’s, just carried out on a grander stage. Their blend of familiarity and formality is part of what keeps the holiday so meaningful year after year.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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