Royal Family Christmas Traditions: The Most Fascinating Festive Facts About The Royals

Ever wondered about the connection and traditions between The Royals and Christmas? Then check out these fun festive facts…

The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday, 6th May, 2023, and to celebrate we’ve rounded up a few interesting facts you might not have known about Christmas and the Royal Family.

The Royal Family’s Christmas Traditions — Facts That Might Surprise You

• Did you know William the Conqueror was crowned King on Christmas Day 1066 at Westminster Abbey?

• In 1171, King Henry II spent Christmas in Dublin, where a Winter palace was built specifically for the occasion.

• George V delivered the first-ever Christmas broadcast in 1932.

• On Christmas Day 1957, The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast was televised for the first time.

• In a tradition started in 1937 by her father, King George VI, the late Queen would gift Christmas trees each year to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

• In keeping with their Germanic roots, the British royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.

• On Christmas Day morning, a full English breakfast is served before everyone attends the traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate.
• 🔗 Shop Royal Collection Shop Christmas Baubles

Like most families up and down Britain, we all have our own unique traditions when it comes to Christmas; it is getting up at the crack of dawn to see if Santa has been, and for others, it’s opening gifts on Christmas Eve, and the Royal family are no different.

The Royal Family spends Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk – a tradition started by King Edward VII in 1862 when it was his country home as Prince of Wales. Gifts are wrapped in plain brown paper rather than decorative wrapping – a tradition believed to discourage excessive commercialism at Christmas. The Royal Family plays charades on Christmas Eve – a tradition so beloved that competitive games between family teams are reportedly a highlight of the festive gathering.

👉 Watch the King’s Christmas Broadcast every year on BBC One at 3pm – see our King’s Christmas Broadcast 2022 guide for the historic first broadcast.

👉 Love a fun Christmas fact? Our 12 Days of Christmas meaning guide has more fascinating festive history worth knowing.