King Charles 'won't rip up the royal rule book' at Christmas - but he's more relaxed
ok.co.ukThe royals have enjoyed spending Christmas at Sandringham for decades, and after creating so many special memories there with the late Queen, the King seems keen for them to keep making more. “Christmas at Sandringham has been absolutely central to the family for years, and that legacy looks certain to continue with Charles,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “The estate has more of a country house feel than other royal residences, and it reflects the family’s love of the great outdoors.” Queen Victoria bought the 20,000-acre estate for £22,000 in 1862.
When the pandemic struck in 2020 it prevented Queen Elizabeth II hosting Christmas there for the first time in 32 years. “Sandringham had a very special place in the Queen’s heart,” Duncan adds. “It was where her father George VI passed away in 1952, which always gave it extra meaning for her.” The estate was also a favoured hideaway of her grandfather George V, who once described it as “dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world”.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady catered for Christmas at Sandringham for many years, and says, “Unlike Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, which belong to the State, Sandringham is owned by the royals so it’s a real home from home, and somewhere to really relax.
For the Queen, it was a place where she swapped her tiara for a headscarf and boots, and where she just loved hanging out with her family.” After making the 100-mile train journey from King’s Cross in London to King’s Lynn in Norfolk, she would oversee a strict 72-hour festive timetable, with precise time slots for guests who arrived on Christmas Eve.The schedule included exact timings for when the royals should wake up, gather for drinks, eat.
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