Kate Middleton wants to scrap ‘weird’ Christmas Eve tradition – plus the bizarre festive rules she has to follow
THE Royal Family follows a host of unique festive rules around Christmas time, but there’s one tradition Kate Middleton wants to scrap.
According to the Princess of Wales, 42, the age-old Christmas Eve rule, which was set during Queen Victoria‘s time on the throne, is “weird”.
Whilst on December 25 we see a royal walkabout where the family greets well-wishers, it’s their December 24 activity that Kate isn’t keen on.
It’s been reported that Kate is eager to refresh one particular custom that she deems “weird” – exchanging presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day.
According to the Daily Beast, Kate intends to ditch the practice, which is nearly two centuries old and stems from German roots, when she and William are in charge.
This Christmas Eve gift-giving has been a royal custom since Victoria’s era, upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who liked to keep Christmas Day focused on its spiritual meaning as a devoted Christian.
Kate is reportedly keen on ditching the Royal Family‘s traditional Christmas Eve present exchange for a more traditional British Christmas Day celebration.
A source close to the Waleses revealed: “Kate has always found the presents on Christmas Eve thing weird.
“It is definitely going to be got rid of when they are officially running things.
“I imagine it will continue this year at Sandringham in some shape or form but everything is going to be much more relaxed and have a middle-class flavour at Anmer Hall.
“You can bet your bottom dollar they will be doing proper presents for each other and the kids there on Christmas Day.”
Not only does Kate have to follow this festive tradition for the meantime, but there’s also a host of other things she and the Royal Family are banned from doing at Christmas time.
More festive rules Kate must follow
According to royal expert Jennie Bond, the Royal Family likes to do things differently, and some of the customs we might enjoy on Christmas Day are actually banned at Sandringham.
Jennie, a former royal correspondent of over 35 years, said that while King Charles has “loosened up” the Christmas Day rules since the late Queen’s passing, there are still many must-dos – and must-don’ts! – that the royals must adhere to.
Kate has always found the presents on Christmas Eve thing weird
Source
She told Fabulous: “I can’t quite picture the Royal Family sprawled on settees in slippers and slouch pants, guzzling booze and chocolates like the rest of us.
“A certain degree of decorum is still required.”
According to Jennie, the royals mustn’t go to bed before the King.
Jennie said: “The King often works late and he is never really off duty.
“Even if he does decide to not work on Christmas Day, his body clock may be out of sync from all of the late nights he has, and he will be awake late anyway.”
Inside the Royal Family’s extravagant Christmas Eve celebrations
SARAH Hewson, royal editor at Talk TV, said the Royal Family typically gather on Christmas Eve to kickstart the celebrations.
She added: “The little royals – George, Charlotte and Louis and Camilla’s grandchildren – will help finish decorating the tree.
“Then, the royal family and all their guests will place their gifts on a trestle table in the red drawing room and they will open them at tea time, a German tradition introduced by Prince Albert.
“And contrary to what we might expect when you think about a royal Christmas, there are no diamonds under the tree.
“They actually give joke gifts – Kate once, when he was single, gave Harry a Grow Your Own girlfriend kit, and apparently Meghan’s present to the Queen on her first Christmas at Sandringham with a singing hamster.
Not only this, but being on time is key for the royals on Christmas Day.
Jennie claimed that lateness is frowned upon at the Norfolk estate and punctuality is key, as she stressed: “You don’t just turn up at Sandringham when you feel like it.
“Guests should arrive at the time they are expected, not before and not after.”
As well as this, casual wear is not allowed, as Jennie emphasised the strict dress code set for the royals, which is also the case on Christmas Eve.
Jennie shared: “The royals have a black tie dinner every year on Christmas Eve, so guests should be prepared.
“Then on Christmas Day, royals should be suitably dressed for church and then for lunch in the dining room. While this isn’t black tie, don’t expect the royals to be in loungewear!”
The gifts are to make people laugh, not to be expensive
Jennie Bond
Although Kate isn’t a fan of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve, there is another present rule that she also has to adhere to.
Contrary to what we might expect about a royal Christmas, there are no diamonds under the tree.
The family are actually known to give each other joke gifts – of which Kate is a big fan.
When Prince Harry, 40, was single, Kate once gave him a Grow Your Own girlfriend kit, while Princess Anne once gifted her older brother Charles a leather toilet seat.
Jennie stressed: “The name of the game is to buy cheap, witty presents. The gifts are to make people laugh, not to be expensive.”
Kate Middleton's 'golden rule' with George, Charlotte and Louis
KATE'S key rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.
According to HELLO! Online’s Royal Correspondent: “Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.
“Kate is often seen holding her children’s hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.
“There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.”
When she’s at the family’s home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other “normal mum”.
A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is “very chilled at home” but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.
They told PEOPLE: “It’s a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces.
“She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That’s what really matters to her.”
And on December 25, it’s compulsory for the royals to visit Church.
All members of the Royal Family who are spending the festivities at Sandringham are expected to be present at the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church, which sits on the Norfolk estate.
Jennie expressed: “There’s no complaining about going to church on Christmas morning, it’s a tradition that dates back for many years.”
On Christmas Day, whilst the royals will play a card game called Racing Demon, Monopoly is never an option, as Jennie recognised: “Don’t suggest playing Monopoly, it’s banned!”
And although Kate is sure to get involved in the games, it’s imperative that she doesn’t get drunk, as Jennie wrote: “You are not to get legless.
For someone to remove themselves from the family festivities to watch TV will be seen as rude
Jennie Bond
“The finest champagne and wines will be served, but none of the royals are heavy drinkers anyway.”
But that’s not all, as Jennie also explained that watching Netflix is banned at Christmas for the royals.
Jennie recognised: “The King likes the family to be together on Christmas day and enjoy each other’s company.
“He isn’t a fan of watching TV anyway, so I doubt very much it will be on.
“Instead the family will be playing games and enjoying the togetherness of the day. For someone to remove themselves from the family festivities to watch TV will be seen as rude.”
Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.