The Royal Family’s Christmas plans will be underway, and King Charles will be keen to have his family around him after a year battling ill health.

Despite their global fame, the Royal Family’s Christmas wish list is surprisingly simple: happiness, good health, and quality time with family. Queen Elizabeth II has always cherished having her loved ones around her.

“One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree,” she shared in her 2015 Christmas message. For King Charles, after a year marked by illness, spending time with his family at his Norfolk estate, Sandringham, will be a welcome break.

“The tradition of togetherness at Christmas was a big thing for the late Queen but it’s important for Charles, too, especially this year,” Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, The Princess Of Wales, told OK! exclusively. “It’s a lovely chance to see his grandchildren. He’ll be surrounded by those he cherishes most, enjoying the chance to eat, drink and be merry with them.”

King Charles, now at the helm of a blended family with Queen Camilla, resonates with many, boasting five grandchildren from his sons – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet. He also embraces five step-grandchildren through Camilla – Lola, Eliza, another Louis, Gus, and Freddy, as detailed by OK!

King Charles is famed for enjoying having his family around him at Christmas

Traditionally, post-Christmas lunch was a time for Queen Camilla to slip away for a red wine moment with her children, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. Yet, last Christmas marked a change with King Charles welcoming Camilla’s wider family into the fold.

“Throw in the Tindalls’ three plus Beatrice and Eugenie’s kids, and it will be chaos – a Christmas dominated by children,” foresees Royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “But kids are a great healer and a great distraction. After the strain caused by the King and Kate’s health battles, the royals will focus on making it a really fun and enchanting Christmas for them. They’ll welcome some light relief, and the children will provide that.”

In 2022, the Duchess of York was warmly welcomed back into the Royal circle after three decades. She spent her time with the scandal-ridden Duke of York at Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the estate.

It must have felt like Christmas came early when she was invited to join Prince Andrew and her daughters for the annual walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day. “They can’t go too wild with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to provide the service,” says Robert.

Kate Middleton with be spending the day with the wider Royal Family after bravely battling cancer

“It’s handy that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be included.”

The Royal festivities will feel different this year, with significant absences deeply felt within the family. A source revealed: “I’m sure it’ll weigh on the King’s mind that he’s unlikely to see Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to stay in California. The whole Harry situation will cast a shadow over the royals. He’s a very vibrant character so he’s greatly missed, but it’s hard for the family to trust him.”

Remembering past changes, the late Queen had her share of Christmas location switches—choosing Windsor Castle when it was convenient in the 60s, returning there due to renovations in 1988, and during the pandemic, she celebrated her final Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor in 2020.

King Charles, despite his new reign, isn’t planning on breaking all traditions, according to Robert who states, “nothing dramatic has changed”. The usual Royal customs continue: the distribution of official Christmas cards, charity events, festive decorations at palaces, traditional carol singing, and the anticipated pre-Christmas luncheon that sees royals from all ranks gather for a grand meal, which was once held at Buckingham Palace and now at Windsor Castle.

Harry and Meghan are not expected to attend Christmas in the UK with their children

In line with his devout nature, as revealed by Prince Harry about his father’s nightly prayers, the King is set to attend church on Christmas Eve. Royal expert Robert has shared insights into how the Royal Family’s Christmas traditions have evolved under King Charles.

“They still open the presents on Christmas Eve, attend the church service and tuck into a big lunch before watching the King’s speech as a family,” he discloses. “But Charles is less demanding of his guests than his parents were. He understands people have other commitments and doesn’t expect them to hang around for the full three days. Camilla will be in charge of hosting. She’ll make sure the tree is decorated just the way he likes it.”

Duncan reflected on the changing traditions within the Royal family: “In the past, female guests, like Kate, were required to pack up to seven different outfits,” but he noted that times have changed: “That doesn’t happen any more – the dress code is far more relaxed,” he asserts. The King’s shift in holiday routine marks a contrast to his mother’s, opting for a departure to Balmoral instead of an extended stay at Sandringham.

This year holds a nostalgic pang as it is the third Christmas without the late Queen and the fourth without the larger-than-life Duke of Edinburgh. “Sandringham brings back lovely memories of them. They’ll both be terribly missed and very much in the family’s prayers,” Ingrid Seward, Royal commentator and author, reminisces.

“I imagine the King will also take a moment to reflect on the wonderful Christmases he spent at Windsor Castle when he was George’s age. All his cousins would come to stay and it was magical for them.”

The present monarch’s diligent nature may shape his holiday season, as former butler Grant Harrold shared insights into his work habits: “The King works really, really hard. Although Christmas Day is a holiday, I can assure you he’ll be working on and off, like the late Queen used to. He doesn’t stop thinking about work.”

King Charles’ Christmas message is sure to reflect the values and traditions he holds dear: duty, religion, peace, and of course, family. As we bid farewell to a challenging year and welcome a new one, we’ll all be raising our glasses to a brighter and healthier 2025.